Sambahsa

Sambahsa
Sambahsa-Mundialect
Created byOlivier Simon
Date2007
Purpose
Language codes
ISO 639-3(sph code proposal was rejected in 2018[1])
GlottologNone
IETFart-x-sambahsa

Sambahsa, short for Sambahsa-Mundialect, is a constructed language designed by French linguist Olivier Simon in 2007. It is based on Proto-Indo-European (PIE), the ancient ancestor of many modern languages, but also incorporates vocabulary from non-PIE languages like Arabic, Chinese, and Swahili. The name "Sambahsa" combines the Malay words sama (same) and bahsa (language).

Purpose and features

Sambahsa is an auxiliary language intended for international communication. Unlike simpler constructed languages like Esperanto, Sambahsa retains a complex grammar and historical linguistic elements, aiming for realism and versatility. It has:

  • Four grammatical cases: nominative, accusative, dative, and genitive.
  • Two numbers: singular and plural.
  • Four genders: masculine, feminine, neuter, and undetermined (a new feature for inclusivity).
  • A unique verb system influenced by PIE.

Vocabulary

Sambahsa has an extensive vocabulary for an auxiliary language, with contributions from Indo-European and non-Indo-European languages. This makes it a worldlang, a type of constructed language blending features from many linguistic families.

Learning and use

Sambahsa offers detailed resources for learners, including guides and online materials. Its complex grammar appeals to linguists and enthusiasts, but the language is less popular compared to simpler alternatives.

References

  1. ↑ "Change Request Documentation: 2017-036". SIL International.

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