Proto Kivian

Proto Kivian (Reska: Ealke Tanlausend [ˈealkə ˈtɑnlausənd], Proto Kivian *tanlausē₁ndi, tanlausenti (ˈtɑnlɑuseːndi)) is the common ancestor of the Kivian Languages. It was spoken by the Kivian People in the Reskan Peninsula from -2150 to -1500. Proto Kivian is attested through thousands of runic inscriptions that provide linguists a near-complete understanding of the language.

Phonology

Proto Kivian’s phonology is largely speculative, but linguists are able to get a relatively accurate level 2 (low-allophonic) reconstruction of the language’s sounds through analysis of the phonology of modern dialects of Kivian languages.

Consonants

	Bilabial		Dental		Alveolar		Palatal		Velar				Glottal
									Plain		Labialised
Nasal		m				n				(ŋ)		(ŋʷ)
Plosive	p	b	t	d					k	(g)	xʷ	(gʷ)
Fricative	ɸ	(β)	θ	(ð)	s	z			x	ɣ		ɣʷ	h
Trill						r
Approximant					(l̥)?	l		j				w

Transcription Notes:

1. /ɸ/ is transcribed as f.
2. /x/ and /ɣ/ are transcribed as h₂ and g respectively.
3. /h/ is transcribed as h₁.

Allophone Notes:

1. /b/ was (β) medially unless after /m/.
2. /d/ was (ð) medially unless after /n/ or /l/.
3. /ɣ/ was (g) after /n/.
4. /ɣʷ/ was (gʷ) after /n/.
5. /n/ was (ŋ) before /ɣ/ or /k/.
6. /n/ was (ŋʷ) before /ɣʷ/ or /kʷ/
7. The existence of (l̥) is strongly debated. It is hypothesised to have occurred when /l/ was adjacent to a voiceless fricative but there is no evidence of the allophone in modern descendants of Kivian languages.

Vowels

	Front			Back
	Short	Long	Overlong	Short	Long	Overlong
Close
Mid
Open