Recent linguistic research indicates that the Xiongnu and the Huns spoke the same Paleo-Siberian language, supporting hypotheses about their shared origins. This finding adds a linguistic perspective to existing archaeological and genetic evidence.
Dr. Simon Fries and Dr. Svenja Bonmann analyzed linguistic data, including loanwords, personal names, and geographic names. They discovered that these groups spoke an early form of Arin, a Yeniseian language, in Inner Asia.
Researchers identified ancient loanwords in Turkic and Mongolic languages originating from Arin, relating to natural elements. These words show phonological features pointing to a Yeniseian source, suggesting the influence of the Arin-speaking Xiongnu elite.
Further evidence comes from the 'Jie couplet,' which aligns with Arin grammar. Personal names of Hunnic rulers can also be explained through Arin word formation.
The team mapped hydronyms and toponyms, finding naming patterns matching Arin lexical items, tracing a migration path aligning with the Huns' movements into Europe.
The research supports the idea that the Huns were descendants of the Xiongnu, maintaining linguistic continuity. The combined data reinforces the case for a common Arin-speaking origin.
This work highlights the potential of interdisciplinary approaches to solve historical mysteries. The full study is published in the Transactions of the Philological Society.