Proto-Sirovic

Classification and Dialects
Proto-Sirovic is the reconstructed common ancestor of the Sirovic language family, the largest language family currently known. Its proposed features have been derived by linguistic reconstruction from documented Sirovic languages. No direct record of Proto-Sirovic exists.

Phonotactics
Proto-Sirovic roots had the syllable structure (C)V(C), where C is any consonant, and V is any vowel or the syllabic consonant /n/. Glottal stops can only appear between vowels. /c/ and /h/ are prohibited as codas.

Grammar
Proto-Sirovic was a moderately inflected language.

Nouns
Proto-Sirovic nouns agreed in case and number with their modifiers. Proto-Sirovic did not have grammatical gender.

Numbers
Proto-Sirovic is believed to have used the senary (base 6) number system that is the standard system for denoting integer and non-integer numbers today. It evolved from finger-counting using one hand representing the ones' place and the other hand represents six's place. Proto-Sirovic numerals are generally reconstructed as follows: Although it was once believed to have meant 36 specifically, the word "silto" is now known to have referred to a general large number.

Syntax
Proto-Sirovic is thought to have been a strongly head-initial language. Proto-Sirovic is reconstructed as having the following syntax:
 * default VSO word order
 * nouns before adjectives
 * prepositions rather than postpositions
 * main clauses before relative clauses

Example text
I held three eggs: kalik torin ximin dana (lit. "held eggs three I")