Proto-Carpathian

Proto-Carpathian is the common ancestor of the Carpathian languages. Proto-Carpathian is not attested in any texts, but has been reconstructed by linguists. It is itself descended ultimately from Proto-Oronaic or possibly from an intermediate stage, called Proto-Alpathian.

Stages

Usually three stages of Proto-Carpathian are distinguished:

1. Early Proto-Carpathian, the language after its split from Proto-Oronaic. The Alpian languages are sometimes considered closest external relatives to the Carpathian languages, so this stage can also be called Proto-Alpathian. However, the reconstruction state appears to be very similar to Proto-Oronaic.
2. Middle Proto-Carpathian, an earlier stage in the development on Carpathian, when the language had developed its most characteristic differences from other Oronaic languages. It is also the time, when differences between South Carpathian and its relatives began developing.
3. Late Proto-Carpathian, the last common ancestor of West and East Carpathian (specifically Ränci and Puohō dialects). South Carpathian had already diverged at this point.