Which criterion defines a ‘language isolate’ in historical linguistics?

By Ahmed Akber

🌐

Source World Languages Knowledge Database

✅

Fact Checked

📊

Difficulty Hard

📅

Last Updated 13 Aug 2026

A. Lack of a demonstrable genetic link to any other language

B. Absence of a written script or phonetic alphabet

C. Having fewer than 10,000 active native speakers

D. Evolution through the convergence of two distinct families

📚 Topics: Language and Linguistics World Languages

🎯 Exams: CSS GEN PMS UK_CS US_COMP

Latest Posts

Master World History for CSS, PMS, and UK Civil Service exams. Explore ancient civilizations, medieval feudalism, world wars,…

Master Politics and Government for CSS, PMS, and US/UK civil service exams. Learn about political systems, international organizations,…

Master International Current Affairs for CSS, PMS, and UK Civil Service exams with our comprehensive evergreen guide to…

Master General Science for CSS, PMS, and US/UK competitive exams. Explore physics, chemistry, biology, and astronomy facts to…

Master historical breakthroughs and scientific milestones with this comprehensive guide to inventions and discoveries for CSS, PMS, NTS,…