noun
ancient language; ancient word
General term for words or language from ancient times, not limited to Japanese.
上代語の研究は文献が少なく難しい。
Research on ancient languages is difficult because there are few documents.
noun
Old Japanese
In linguistics, specifically refers to the Japanese language from the late 6th century to the end of the Nara period.
上代語としての日本語は、万葉集などで見られる。
Old Japanese as an ancient language can be seen in works like the Man'yōshū.
A broader term for ancient language, not specifically the Old Japanese period.
Compound of 上代 (jōdai, 'ancient times') + 語 (go, 'language').