We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Tijmen Pronk
Build your knowledge of Indo-European languages, how they changed through time, and how to reconstruct ancient languages. Every language belongs to a language family; a group of languages that are genetically related to each other. Indo-European is the name of the language family to which English belongs, along with many sub-families such as Germanic languages and Romance languages.
The Indo-European language family is now known to consist of thirteen major branches and a number of now extinct languages of which only fragments have been preserved that may once have formed branches of their own.
Read more
Build your knowledge of Indo-European languages, how they changed through time, and how to reconstruct ancient languages. Every language belongs to a language family; a group of languages that are genetically related to each other. Indo-European is the name of the language family to which English belongs, along with many sub-families such as Germanic languages and Romance languages.
The Indo-European language family is now known to consist of thirteen major branches and a number of now extinct languages of which only fragments have been preserved that may once have formed branches of their own.
Read more
Build your knowledge of Indo-European languages, how they changed through time, and how to reconstruct ancient languages. Every language belongs to a language family; a group of languages that are genetically related to each other. Indo-European is the name of the language family to which English belongs, along with many sub-families such as Germanic languages and Romance languages.
The Indo-European language family is now known to consist of thirteen major branches and a number of now extinct languages of which only fragments have been preserved that may once have formed branches of their own.
You’ll delve into the structure and origins of these branches. Not only will you learn about the oldest languages belonging to the Indo-European language family, but you’ll also learn about linguistic reconstruction, how you can tell whether two languages are related to each other and how language changes.
This course will guide you through the different groups of Indo-European languages. You’ll look at some of the oldest texts from these languages, including Ancient Greek and Sanskrit, and learn about the importance of oral traditions in the history of these texts.
As you progress through each of the branches of the language tree, you’ll begin to piece together the Proto-Indo-European language bit by bit by comparing and contrasting each different language in the tree.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/l38zgn/introduction
Here's a deal for you
Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Get offer
What's inside
Syllabus
The Indo-European language family
This week we will introduce the Indo-European language family. We will explain what a language family is and how the Indo-European language family was discovered. We will also provide you with an overview of the languages that belong to the Indo-European family.
Read more
Syllabus
The Indo-European language family
This week we will introduce the Indo-European language family. We will explain what a language family is and how the Indo-European language family was discovered. We will also provide you with an overview of the languages that belong to the Indo-European family.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores Indo-European languages, which is a significant language family in linguistics
Teaches linguistic reconstruction, a fundamental skill in historical linguistics
Examines the Proto-Indo-European language, the ancestor of many modern languages
Introduces the concept of language families, a key concept in historical linguistics
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Unveiling proto-indo-european language
According to learners, 'Introduction to Comparative Indo-European Linguistics' offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration into the evolution and reconstruction of Indo-European languages. Students frequently highlight the instructor's passion and profound knowledge, making complex topics like sound laws and linguistic reconstruction accessible. While some older reviews noted a challenging pace or lecture-heavy delivery, more recent feedback suggests improvements in clarity and pacing. Learners should be prepared for a demanding but highly rewarding academic journey, ideally suited for those with a serious interest in historical linguistics rather than casual learners.
Clarity and pacing have improved over time.
"Much improved from earlier versions! I found the updated explanations for laryngeals and Balto-Slavic sounds much clearer. The pacing seems adjusted."
"The course seemed to have taken feedback well; I found it manageable with effort."
Led by a highly knowledgeable and passionate instructor.
"The instructor's passion for the subject shines through every lecture."
"The instructor is incredibly knowledgeable and presents complex ideas with remarkable clarity."
"The instructor is clearly an expert, but the delivery could be more dynamic."
Offers a comprehensive and well-structured curriculum.
"Absolutely fantastic! ... It truly felt like a journey reconstructing Proto-Indo-European."
"A very thorough introduction. The content is dense... but the core material is timeless."
"The course is a masterpiece for anyone interested in the history of language. ... The journey through the various language families is well-structured and logical."
"This course provided an invaluable framework for understanding the deeper connections between languages I already study."
Older reviews noted a need for more active engagement.
"Too academic and dry. I struggled to stay engaged."
"I wish there were more practice exercises for the reconstruction parts."
"The course felt very lecture-heavy with not much opportunity to apply the concepts actively beyond quizzes."
Requires dedication; not for casual learners.
"The content is dense, especially when discussing the various branches..."
"Quite challenging for a beginner. The pace felt a bit fast at times..."
"Expect to learn a lot, it's not a light course, but deeply satisfying."
"I had no prior linguistics background... and while it was challenging, the logical progression made it manageable."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Introduction to Comparative Indo-European Linguistics with these
activities:
Review Basic Linguistics Concepts
Show steps
Refreshes foundational linguistic knowledge necessary for understanding Indo-European languages.
Browse courses on
Linguistics
Show steps
-
Review basic linguistic concepts such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, and syntax.
-
Apply these concepts to the study of Indo-European languages.
Contribute to the Wiktionary
Show steps
Contribute to the collective knowledge of Indo-European languages by adding or improving entries in the Wiktionary.
Browse courses on
Indo-European Languages
Show steps
-
Create a Wiktionary account.
-
Find an Indo-European language or word that you are interested in.
-
Edit or create an entry for that language or word.
Read 'A History of the Indo-European Language Family' by Oswald Szemerényi
Show steps
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history and development of the Indo-European language family.
Show steps
-
Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
-
Identify the different branches of the Indo-European language family.
-
Understand the major sound changes that have occurred in the different branches of the Indo-European language family.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read 'The Indo-European Language Family' by Robert Beekes
Show steps
Provides a solid foundation in the history and development of Indo-European languages.
Show steps
-
Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
-
Identify the different branches of the Indo-European language family.
-
Understand the sound changes that have occurred in the different branches of the Indo-European language family.
Indo-European Cognate Drill
Show steps
Sharpens the ability to identify and analyze cognates in different Indo-European languages.
Show steps
-
Compare vocabulary from different Indo-European languages to identify cognates.
-
Analyze the sound changes that have occurred in the cognates.
-
Reconstruct the Proto-Indo-European forms of the cognates.
Proto-Indo-European Phonology Tutorial
Show steps
Provides a comprehensive understanding of the sound system of Proto-Indo-European.
Show steps
-
Follow a tutorial on Proto-Indo-European phonology.
-
Learn the different Proto-Indo-European consonants and vowels.
-
Understand the sound changes that occurred in the different branches of the Indo-European language family.
Indo-European Reconstruction Team
Show steps
Collaborate with others to reconstruct Proto-Indo-European words and texts.
Show steps
-
Form a study group with other students interested in Indo-European languages.
-
Choose a text in an Indo-European language to work on.
-
Reconstruct the Proto-Indo-European form of the text.
-
Present your findings to the group.
Indo-European Etymological Dictionary
Show steps
Deepens understanding of Indo-European language evolution by creating an etymological dictionary.
Browse courses on
Etymology
Show steps
-
Choose a specific branch or sub-branch of the Indo-European language family to focus on.
-
Research the etymology of words in the chosen language or sub-branch.
-
Create an etymological dictionary that includes the word, its etymology, and its cognates in other Indo-European languages.
Review Basic Linguistics Concepts
Show steps
Refreshes foundational linguistic knowledge necessary for understanding Indo-European languages.
Browse courses on
Linguistics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review basic linguistic concepts such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, and syntax.
- Apply these concepts to the study of Indo-European languages.
Contribute to the Wiktionary
Show steps
Contribute to the collective knowledge of Indo-European languages by adding or improving entries in the Wiktionary.
Browse courses on
Indo-European Languages
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Create a Wiktionary account.
- Find an Indo-European language or word that you are interested in.
- Edit or create an entry for that language or word.
Read 'A History of the Indo-European Language Family' by Oswald Szemerényi
Show steps
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history and development of the Indo-European language family.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
- Identify the different branches of the Indo-European language family.
- Understand the major sound changes that have occurred in the different branches of the Indo-European language family.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read 'The Indo-European Language Family' by Robert Beekes
Show steps
Provides a solid foundation in the history and development of Indo-European languages.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
- Identify the different branches of the Indo-European language family.
- Understand the sound changes that have occurred in the different branches of the Indo-European language family.
Indo-European Cognate Drill
Show steps
Sharpens the ability to identify and analyze cognates in different Indo-European languages.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Compare vocabulary from different Indo-European languages to identify cognates.
- Analyze the sound changes that have occurred in the cognates.
- Reconstruct the Proto-Indo-European forms of the cognates.
Proto-Indo-European Phonology Tutorial
Show steps
Provides a comprehensive understanding of the sound system of Proto-Indo-European.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Follow a tutorial on Proto-Indo-European phonology.
- Learn the different Proto-Indo-European consonants and vowels.
- Understand the sound changes that occurred in the different branches of the Indo-European language family.
Indo-European Reconstruction Team
Show steps
Collaborate with others to reconstruct Proto-Indo-European words and texts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form a study group with other students interested in Indo-European languages.
- Choose a text in an Indo-European language to work on.
- Reconstruct the Proto-Indo-European form of the text.
- Present your findings to the group.
Indo-European Etymological Dictionary
Show steps
Deepens understanding of Indo-European language evolution by creating an etymological dictionary.
Browse courses on
Etymology
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific branch or sub-branch of the Indo-European language family to focus on.
- Research the etymology of words in the chosen language or sub-branch.
- Create an etymological dictionary that includes the word, its etymology, and its cognates in other Indo-European languages.
Career center
Learners who complete Introduction to Comparative Indo-European Linguistics will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Linguist
Linguist
A Linguist studies the structure and evolution of languages. They may specialize in a particular language family, such as the Indo-European language family. This course would be a valuable addition to the education of a Linguist because it provides a comprehensive overview of the Indo-European language family, including its history, structure, and evolution.
Philologist
Philologist
A Philologist studies the history and development of languages, as well as their relationship to each other. They may specialize in a particular language family, such as the Indo-European language family. This course would be very helpful for Philologists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the Indo-European language family, including its history, structure, and evolution.
Translator
Translator
A Translator converts written or spoken text from one language to another. They may specialize in a particular language pair, such as English to Spanish or Spanish to English. This course may be helpful for Translators because it provides an overview of the Indo-European language family and how languages change over time. This knowledge can be useful for understanding the history and development of different languages and for translating texts accurately and effectively.
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
An Anthropologist studies the behavior, origin, and development of humans. They may specialize in a particular area, such as cultural anthropology or linguistic anthropology. This course may be helpful for Anthropologists because it provides an overview of the Indo-European language family and how languages change over time. This knowledge can be useful for understanding the history and development of human cultures and languages.
Archaeologist
Archaeologist
An Archaeologist studies past human societies through the excavation and analysis of material remains. They may specialize in a particular area, such as prehistoric archaeology or historical archaeology. This course may be helpful for Archaeologists because it provides an overview of the Indo-European language family and how languages change over time. This knowledge can be useful for understanding the history and development of human cultures and languages.
Museum curator
Museum curator
A Museum Curator is responsible for the care and display of museum collections. They may specialize in a particular area, such as history or art. This course may be helpful for Museum Curators because it provides an overview of the Indo-European language family and how languages change over time. This knowledge can be useful for understanding the history and development of museum collections and for creating exhibits that are informative and engaging.
Professor
Professor
A Professor teaches and conducts research at a college or university. They may specialize in a particular field, such as linguistics or history. This course may be helpful for Professors because it provides an overview of the Indo-European language family and how languages change over time. This knowledge can be useful for teaching courses on linguistics or history.
Archivist
Archivist
An Archivist collects, preserves, and makes accessible historical documents and other materials. They may work for a library, museum, or other organization. This course may be helpful for Archivists because it provides an overview of the Indo-European language family and how languages change over time. This knowledge can be useful for understanding the history and development of written documents and for preserving and making them accessible to researchers and the public.
Librarian
Librarian
A Librarian helps people find and use information. They may work in a library, school, or other organization. This course may be helpful for Librarians because it provides an overview of the Indo-European language family and how languages change over time. This knowledge can be useful for understanding the history and development of written documents and for helping people find the information they need.
Editor
Editor
An Editor reviews, corrects, and prepares written content for publication. They may work for a publishing house, magazine, or other organization. This course may be helpful for Editors because it provides an overview of the Indo-European language family and how languages change over time. This knowledge can be useful for understanding the history and development of language and for identifying and correcting errors in written content.
Historian
Historian
A Historian researches, analyzes, interprets, and writes about the past. They use primary and secondary sources to reconstruct the past and to understand how it has shaped the present. This course may be helpful for Historians because it provides an overview of the Indo-European language family and how languages change over time. This knowledge can be useful for understanding how different cultures and societies have developed and interacted with each other.
Writer
Writer
A Writer creates written content, such as books, articles, and speeches. They may specialize in a particular genre, such as fiction or non-fiction. This course may be helpful for Writers because it provides an overview of the Indo-European language family and how languages change over time. This knowledge can be useful for understanding the history and development of language and for creating more effective written content.
Journalist
Journalist
A Journalist gathers, analyzes, and reports on news and current events. They may specialize in a particular area, such as politics or sports. This course may be helpful for Journalists because it provides an overview of the Indo-European language family and how languages change over time. This knowledge can be useful for understanding the history and development of current events and for reporting on them in a clear and concise manner.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain complex technical information. They may specialize in a particular field, such as computer science or engineering. This course may be helpful for Technical Writers because it provides an overview of the Indo-European language family and how languages change over time. This knowledge can be useful for understanding the history and development of technical terms.
Teacher
Teacher
A Teacher provides instruction to students at a school or other educational institution. They may specialize in a particular subject, such as English or history. This course may be helpful for Teachers because it provides an overview of the Indo-European language family and how languages change over time. This knowledge can be useful for teaching courses on English or history.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/l38zgn/introduction
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Introduction to Comparative Indo-European Linguistics.
The Oxford Introduction to Proto-Indo-European and the Proto-Indo-European World comprehensive guide to the Proto-Indo-European language and the Proto-Indo-European world. It provides a detailed overview of the Proto-Indo-European language, its history, and its relationship to other Indo-European languages
The Indo-European Languages comprehensive overview of the Indo-European languages. It provides a detailed overview of the Indo-European language family, its history, and its relationship to other language families.
Save
Sanskrit: An Introduction to the Classical Language comprehensive introduction to the Sanskrit language. It provides a detailed overview of the Sanskrit language, its grammar, and its literature.
Ancient Greek: A Comprehensive Grammar of Attic Greek comprehensive grammar of the Attic Greek language. It provides a detailed overview of the Attic Greek language, its grammar, and its literature.
Save
Old Persian: A Textbook comprehensive textbook on the Old Persian language. It provides a detailed overview of the Old Persian language, its grammar, and its literature.
A Grammar of the Latin Language comprehensive grammar of the Latin language. It provides a detailed overview of the Latin language, its grammar, and its literature.
A Course in Phonology comprehensive introduction to phonology. It provides a detailed overview of the phonological systems of the world's languages.
The Languages of the Ancient Near East comprehensive overview of the languages of the ancient Near East. It provides a detailed overview of the languages of the ancient Near East, their history, and their relationship to other languages.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/l38zgn/introduction
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Rating
4.6
Effort
Approx. 17 hours
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Universiteit Leiden
Instructor
Tijmen Pronk
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser