Illyrian languages: Encyclopedia II - Illyrian languages - Outside influences

Illyrian languages - Outside influences

The Ancient Greek language (and also the Ancient Macedonian language) would have become an important external influence on Illyrian-speakers who occupied lands adjacent to ancient Greeks and Ancient Macedonians, and this is indicated by the adoption of Greek names by prominent Illyrians (Cleitus, Glaukias) in the south. As Greek influence increased, some Illyrian-speakers would have abandoned their language and adopted Greek.

Invading Celts who settled on lands occupied by Illyrians brought the Illyrians into contact with the Celtic languages. Intensive contact may have happened in what is now Bosnia, Croatia, and Serbia. Because of this intensive contact, and because of conflicting classical sources, it is unclear whether some ancient tribes were Illyrian or Celtic (see for example Scordisci). Thracians and Paionians also occupied lands populated by Illyrians, bringing Illyrians into contact with the Thracian language and Paionian language. Evidence of Thraco-Illyrian admixture is found among the Dardani in particular, while Paionians and Illyrians have a few names in common, such as Langarus.

Yet it was not Greek, Celtic, Thracian, or Paionian, but Latin that would come to displace Illyrian above the Jireček line. The Romans conquered all the lands in which Illyrian was spoken, and it is quite possible that Illyrian became extinct early in the Common era, perhaps even before the Slavic invasion of the Balkans. However, this is disputed by other scholars and linguists who maintain that the living Albanian language is a surviving Illyrian language.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Outside influences", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki