Divergence Theory is a concept in linguistics that explains how languages evolve and change over time. It suggests that as groups of people become isolated from one another, their languages diverge, leading to the development of distinct dialects or entirely new languages. This process can occur due to geographical barriers, social factors, or cultural differences. The theory is often illustrated through the evolution of the Romance languages, which originated from Latin. As the Roman Empire expanded and later fragmented, regional variations emerged, resulting in languages like Spanish, French, and Italian. Divergence Theory helps linguists understand the dynamics of language change and development.