ABSTRACT
The Semitic languages exhibit a number of typologically unique features, especially morphological features, some of which are well known and regularly quoted in typological literature. Proto-Semitic reflects a number of typologically interesting and unusual phonological features. It has a fairly large consonantal inventory of 30 consonants, which is on the high end compared to other world languages, as the typical number of consonants in a single language is in low 20s. One of the most interesting aspects of the consonantal system is the arrangement of its phonation types in triads of voiced-voiceless-glottalic. The Semitic languages have additionally a number of fairly complex and cross- linguistically rare consonants. The morphology of Semitic is widely recognized for its complexity. The Proto-Semitic root is a discontinuous morpheme, which in the proto-language can include only consonants. The reality of an abstract morpheme with no obvious surface forms has always been accepted among Semitists.
