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Language isolate

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A Language isolate is a language with no clear relationship to or affinity with other languages. Unlike English, which is clearly related to other Germanic languages, or the various Chinese languages, isolates generally stand apart from their surrounding languages in terms of their phonology, grammar, and syntax.

Below is a list of known language isolates, along with notes on possible relations to other languages or language families:

LanguageComments
BasqueNo known relatives. Some linguists have attempted to show relationship with the Caucasian languages.
JapaneseVery likely related to Korean language, though not yet proven. Connections to the Altaic languages have also been proposed.
KoreanVery likely related to Japanese language, though not yet proven. Connections to the Altaic languages have also been proposed.
BurushaskiLittle information available.
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