Why Do Unrelated Languages Share Surprising Similarities? The Hidden Science of Linguistic Twins

It might be hard to imagine, but languages like Japanese and Turkish—separated by thousands of miles and generations of unique history—share striking similarities in sentence structure and word formation. Likewise, you may have noticed that words for “mother” and “father” sound oddly alike in dozens of languages. Coincidence, or is there something deeper at play?

Many learners are surprised when they stumble upon these linguistic patterns. If you love language trivia and are hungry to understand why unrelated languages seem to share so much DNA, you’re not alone. In this post, we’ll unravel the hidden science behind the mysterious phenomenon called linguistic twins—and, as promised, reveal one big reason at the end that goes far deeper than you might expect.

What Are Linguistic Twins?

Languages that aren’t closely related—sometimes termed “linguistic twins”—share core similarities in vocabulary, grammar, word order, or even sounds. Researchers call these unexpected parallels linguistic universals or typological overlaps. For example:

• Turkish and Japanese both follow a Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) order.
• English and Mandarin Chinese use word order instead of word endings to express certain grammatical relationships.
• Across the world, the words for “mother” and “father” often contain similar sounds (like ma and pa).

Given the diversity of cultures and geographies, it’s an intriguing puzzle: Why do these similarities arise at all?

Coincidence or Communication Constraints?

Linguists have long debated whether shared features among unrelated languages are mere coincidence or are rooted in universal principles. A leading theory suggests that certain sounds and structures are easier for the human brain and vocal apparatus to produce and process. This “ease of articulation” theory posits that children—and adults—naturally gravitate toward certain patterns, making some forms more likely to recur across languages (Britannica: Linguistics).

For instance, the syllable ma is one of the first that babies can produce, leading to variants of “mama” appearing in many unrelated languages. Similarly, the SOV and SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) orders are the most common globally, possibly because they align with natural patterns of thought (Cambridge English Research).

Patterns Without Genetic Links

Genetic relationship between languages accounts for some similarities—for instance, “mother” (English) and “Mutter” (German) both stem from Proto-Indo-European roots. But what about when languages with no shared ancestry exhibit parallel grammar or vocabulary?

Here, the science points to phenomena like areal diffusion (languages in the same geographic area influencing each other through contact), as well as semantic universals—notions all cultures must express, such as family, eating, or the body.

Sometimes, it’s the result of convergent evolution in language—a process where similar solutions are found independently because they work well for human communication.

Why Does This Matter for Language Learners?

If you’re working on your spoken English, Japanese, Turkish, or any of the many languages supported by Talkio, knowing about these universal patterns can help you spot familiar features and ease your learning curve. Recognizing a shared sentence structure or a common sound can be reassuring, even when you feel out of your comfort zone. For further insights on how your native language influences second language acquisition, you might enjoy reading our post on cross-language interference effects.

The Big Reveal: The Human Brain Shapes Our Languages

Here’s what researchers are increasingly finding: The surprising similarities among seemingly unrelated languages aren’t just accidents of history or random chance. They are evidence of the common cognitive and physiological constraints shared by all humans. Our minds, bodies, and cultures create natural “preferences” and “limitations,” which mold languages in similar ways—despite their far-flung origins.

This hidden science of linguistic twins not only connects us across continents but also reminds us that, at the core, our ways of speaking are shaped by what it means to be human. The next time you spot a familiar word or pattern in an unfamiliar language, you’re glimpsing this profound truth: the universal nature of communication.