"Baltic languages" 的定义和意义

What are "Baltic languages"?

Baltic languages are a branch of the Indo-European language family spoken primarily in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. The two main Baltic languages are Lithuanian and Latvian, with a lesser-known language called Old Prussian that is now extinct. Baltic languages are characterized by a complex system of inflection for nouns, pronouns, and verbs, and they retain many archaic features that have been lost in other Indo-European languages. Both Lithuanian and Latvian have rich oral and written traditions, reflecting the cultural and historical influences of the region. The study of Baltic languages offers insights into the linguistic history of Europe, the development of Indo-European languages, and the cultural identity of the Baltic peoples.