Exploring the Origins of Language with Laura Spinney’s Proto
The now-extinct Tocharian language on a scrap of parchment
Sakkmesterke/Alamy
Proto
Laura Spinney (HarperCollins (UK) Bloomsbury Publishing (US, 13 May))
Delve into the world of ancient languages with Laura Spinney’s latest book, Proto. The title itself sparks curiosity – what does it mean? Proto-Indo-European, the original language from which many modern languages, including English, have evolved. Spinney explores the roots of communication, tracing back to a shared linguistic ancestry that connects diverse cultures and civilizations.
In Proto, Spinney takes readers on a journey through time, unraveling the complexities of language evolution. From the earliest forms of communication to the development of complex grammar and syntax, the book sheds light on how languages have shaped human history and culture. Drawing on archaeological evidence and linguistic research, Spinney offers a fascinating insight into the power of words.
