Proto-Mixe Zoque

It is believed by scholars of language and Mesoamerican history, that the Proto-Mixe Zoque language was spoken during what is known as the Initial Formative Period (c. 2000-1200 BC). Scholars believe that this proto language was spoken by those who lived in the Isthmus of Mexico. Since the evidence of this proto-Mixe Zoque language is limited, only a small amount of its vocabulary has so far been reconstructed, about 450 items.[1]

Contents

Ethnic Marker

The influence which the Olmecs had on neighboring groups and cultures, and those which would follow them, pose the idea that they may have shared a similar language, or have had their roots in a similar language, the proto-Mixe Zoque.[2] In later Mesoamerican languages, evidence of loan words creates this notion that perhaps in earlier times the Olmec’s influence crossed not only a materialistic fashion, but also linguistically one too. Many of the words borrowed by these early civilizations show that there was a shared significance placed on the importance of Mesoamerican cultigens, beans, squash, tomatoes, maize, and its preparation.[3] By examining the vocabulary, one could see that the Mesoamerican speakers had a sophisticated culture for their time.

Phonology

A vowel could either be short or long, and the nucleus of a syllable could either involve a short or long vowel, or was followed by /?/ or /h/.[4]

Mixe-Zoque Language

The culture which archaeologist refer to as “Mokaya” means “people of the corn” which comes from the contemporary Mixe-Zoque language.[5] From archaeological evidence today, it is believed that the Mixe-Zoque language was spoken across the Isthmus, therefore sharing its roots in this Olmec language tradition, and a common ancestor, the proto Mixe-Zoque.[6]

See also

References

  1. ^ Campbell, Lyle; Kaufman, Terrence (1976). "A Linguistic Look at the Olmecs". American Antiquity 41 (1): 80-89. 
  2. ^ Campbell, Lyle; Kaufman, Terrence (1976). "A Linguistic Look at the Olmecs". American Antiquity 41 (1): 80-89.
  3. ^ Evans, Susan Toby 2008 Ancient Mexico and Central America: Archaeology and Culture History, second edition. London: Thames & Hudson Ltd.
  4. ^ Elson, Benjamin F. (1992). "Reconstructing Mixe-Zoque". Summer Institute of Linguistics (107): 577-592. 
  5. ^ Evans, Susan Toby 2008 Ancient Mexico and Central America: Archaeology and Culture History, second edition. London: Thames & Hudson Ltd.
  6. ^ Evans, Susan Toby 2008 Ancient Mexico and Central America: Archaeology and Culture History, second edition. London: Thames & Hudson Ltd.
  • Evans, Susan Toby (2008). Ancient Mexico and Central America: Archaeology and Culture History (2nd ed.). London: Thames & Hudson. ISBN 0500284407.