'language-independent' originates from the combination of 'language' and 'independent', where 'language' refers to a system of communication and 'independent' means not influenced or controlled by others.

'language' and 'independent' have been used in English since the Middle Ages, but the compound term 'language-independent' emerged in the 20th century with the rise of computing and global communication.

Initially, 'language-independent' referred to concepts not tied to a specific language, and this meaning has remained consistent, especially in technology and linguistics.