The Paleolithic Continuity Theory (PCT) suggests that the Indo-European languages originated in Europe and have existed there since the Paleolithic.

It is based on a synthesis of linguistic studies, the archaeogenetical studies of Brian Sykes indicating that some 80% of the genetic stock of Europeans goes back to the Paleolithic, as well as on archaeological data indicating European cultural continuity.

Its main proponents are the Italian linguists Mario Alinei, Gabriele Costa (http://www.continuitas.com/workgroup.html) and Cicero Poghirc as well as the prehistorians Alexander Hausler (http://www.continuitas.com/workgroup.html) and Marcel Otte.

In historical linguistics it is commonly deemed unfeasible to make any assertion about particular languages of such antiquity. PCT must therefore be regarded as controversial (c. f. Proto-World language).

See also

• Indo-European
• Proto-Indo-European
• Old Europe
• Urheimat

External links

http://continuitas.com

• PCT outline (http://www.rastko.org.yu/filologija/alinei/malinei-continuity.html)