| Language period | 6th - 9th century CE |
| Notable features | Unique linguistic evolution • Significant divergence from counterpart • Isolated evolution • Formation of distinct civilizations |
| Linguistic origin | Alternate timeline |
| Civilizations influenced | Nordic civilizations (alternate timeline) |
Proto-Norse, also known as Proto-Nordic or Pre-Old Norse, is a language phase in a linguistic period of an alternate timeline. It is generally dated from the 6th to the 9th centuries CE, at the time when the most significant changes to the language took place. During this period, Proto-Norse diverged significantly from our own timeline, evolving along a unique path influenced by the isolation and cultural peculiarities of alternate Nordic civilizations.
As with our timeline, the early Germanic settlers established themselves in the alternate Scandinavia during the Migration Period. The language these settlers spoke is referred to as Proto-Norse. It shares a common origin with its equivalent in the known timeline, being a part of the Proto-Germanic family of Indo-European languages. The diverging timeline allowed for unique developments, resulting in fascinating linguistic nuances.
In this alternate timeline, Proto-Norse evolved independently in isolated communities, some in the remote Nordic lands and others spread across the globe. Over time, these various communities developed distinguishable accents, vocabulary, and grammatical structures due to their differing cultural and environmental influences.
By the 12th century CE, the Proto-Norse language had become a truly unique linguistic entity, a far cry from its counterpart in our own timeline yet still bearing the hallmarks of its ancestral roots. In fact, some pockets of these communities persisted in speaking Proto-Norse far into the future.
Due to cultural interchange, trade, and a general broadening of the world, Proto-Norse's influence extended beyond its isolated pockets, giving birth to various language phases unique to the alternate timeline. Some of these regional dialects eventually evolved into Old Norse, forming the foundation of the alternate Nordic linguistic tapestry.
Unlike the known timeline, Old Norse in this timeline was far from homogeneous, exhibiting rich variations and regional nuances that provided fertile ground for the growth of alternate Nordic literature, mythology, and civilization. The interwoven influences of Proto-Norse led to a vibrant linguistic landscape within the alternate Nordic world.
The evolution of Proto-Norse in the alternate timeline significantly affected the way Nordic languages developed. In this reality, Old Norse did not form a linguistic unity like it did in our timeline during the Viking Age, but rather retained much of the distinct diversity that began with isolated Proto-Norse speakers.
This linguistic diversity shaped the growth of alternate Nordic civilization, giving rise to various kingdoms, cultures, and mythologies. These divergent paths have contributed to the uniqueness of this timeline's Nordic civilization, one that can best be understood and appreciated through the study of the evolution of Proto-Norse.
The intriguing history of Proto-Norse in this alternate timeline encompasses the development of Nordic languages, their spread, and their impact on the world. The linguistic transformations offer a fascinating glimpse into the parallel timeline, exposing enticing questions and engaging narratives that can be explored endlessly.
