Page:An Ainu-English-Japanese dictionary (including a grammar of the Ainu language).djvu/630

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 § IX. AINU AND BASQUE.

But another very interesting question presents itself to us in this place. It itis [sic] this. Is not the Ainu language connected with Basque? If so it can of course have no affinity with HeblrewHebrew [sic], for that language has been adjudged outside the Turanian classification of language, while Basque, being of Tartar origin is included in it. Max Müller in vol. 111, page 429, quotes Bunsen as saying —“I have convinced myself from the grammar and dictionary that Basque is Turanian.” And Borrows is also of opinion that “Basque is of Tartar origin.”

It would not be at all surprising to find that the two are connected, seeing that, as has already been intimated the original Ainu in all probability came through Tartary to Japan. A very curious thing about them is that the ancient Basque and Ainu customs of Couvade, ridiculous as they were, resembled each other to a great degree. Compare Max MülerMüller [sic] vol. 11, page 273 with “The Ainu and their Folkore” Chapter XXIII.