Japhetic languages is a largely obsolete term for the languages spoken by the descendants of Japheth, son of Noah. It is now rarely used especially within the field of historical linguistics. It was usually ascribed to the speakers of what we now term the Indo-European languages. It should not be confused with the Japhetic theory. The term Hamitic also used to be used but has now passed into obscurity, referring to Noah's son Ham, ascribed to the languages spoken particularly by the people of Egypt, and more generally, by peoples in Africa. The third son of Noah, Shem still gives his name to the Semitic languages, a branch of the Afroasiatic family of languages, for which "Semito-Hamitic" is an older, and now virtually obsolete term.
Famous quotes containing the word languages:
“People in places many of us never heard of, whose names we can’t pronounce or even spell, are speaking up for themselves. They speak in languages we once classified as “exotic” but whose mastery is now essential for our diplomats and businessmen. But what they say is very much the same the world over. They want a decent standard of living. They want human dignity and a voice in their own futures. They want their children to grow up strong and healthy and free.”
—Hubert H. Humphrey (1911–1978)