The Oldest Languages – And Remarkable Origins of Conversation

The oldest languages offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of human communication and the rich history of cultures. Unraveling connections between ancient languages is insightful into how societies interact. They influence each other, and how they connect sheds light on their development.

When researchers explore the origins of language, they rely on written texts, inscriptions, and linguistic patterns to trace its development. The oldest languages, which date back around 6,000 years, include:

• Sumerian,
• Hittite, and
• Babylonian.

Ancient languages Akkadian, Arabic, Aramaic, and Chinese all played a significant role in shaping communication. But the first spoken language remains a mystery.

11 of the Oldest Languages not Commonly Used in the 21st century

A UNESCO project highlights languages in danger of extinction. Many ancient languages ceased to be spoken natively and were no longer in everyday use by the 21st century. However, some are studied for scholarly, historical, or religious purposes. Some of the oldest languages that became extinct or ceased to be used in everyday contexts by the 21st century are:

1. Sumerian – The language of ancient Sumer in Mesopotamia. The earliest written records in the world are in Sumerian, from around 3200 BC.
2. Akkadian – The language of the Akkadian Empire and its successors, the Assyrian and Babylonian empires. Used from around 2400 BC. Ancient language of the Assyrians and Babylonians with texts dating back to the 24th century BC. Though extinct as a spoken language, it’s studied for historical and religious reasons.
3. Hittite – The language of the Hittite Empire in Anatolia, with texts from around 1600 BC.
4. Elamite – Spoken in the ancient Elam region, now southwestern Iran, with inscriptions dating back to around 2500 BC.
5. Hurrian – Spoken in ancient Anatolia and northern Mesopotamia, with records from around 2000 BC.
6. Old Persian – Language of the Achaemenid Empire, with inscriptions from the time of Darius I around 500 BC.
7. Phoenician – Ancient Semitic language used by the Phoenician city-states and their colonies, such as Carthage, from around 1200 BC.
8. Etruscan – Language of the ancient Etruscan civilization in Italy, used from around 700 BC to the 1st century AD.
9. Ancient Greek – While Modern Greek is still spoken, the ancient dialects (Classical, Koine) are no longer used in everyday conversation.
10. Classical Latin – The language of the Roman Republic and Roman Empire. While Latin evolved into the Romance languages and is still used liturgically, Classical Latin as spoken by the Romans is extinct.
11. Biblical Hebrew – The classical form of Hebrew in which most of the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament is written.

Extinct in a linguistic context means a language no longer has native speakers. Root languages, Latin and Ancient Greek, for example are still studied extensively. While Classical Hebrew and Avestan, are used in religious contexts.

How Many Languages were in use in 2023

According to Ethnologue there were 7168 languages in use in 2023.

“That number is constantly in flux because we’re learning more about the world’s languages every day. And beyond that, the languages themselves are in flux. They’re living and dynamic, used by communities whose lives are shaped by our rapidly changing world.”

Ethnologue

13 Oldest Languages Spoken or Culturally Relevant in the 21st century

Identifying the oldest languages is sometimes difficult because the age of a language is determined by the earliest written records. Oral traditions may predate these records by centuries or even millennia. Languages evolve over time, so the form of a language spoken today may be quite different from its ancient counterpart.

However, based on archaeological and historical evidence, here are some of the oldest languages that were still spoken or had cultural relevance at the turn of the 21st century:

1. Aramaic – This language has roots going back to the 12th century BC and was once the lingua franca of the Near East. Still spoken in some communities today. While some modern dialects of Aramaic are still spoken, many ancient dialects of this lingua franca of the Near East have become extinct.
2. Sanskrit – Ancient liturgical language of Hinduism, with its earliest texts (the Rigveda) dating from around 1500 BC.
3. Tamil – One of the oldest classical languages with origins in South India. It has inscriptions dating back to around 500 BC or earlier.
4. Greek – Has a documented history of over 3,000 years, with Ancient Greek texts like the “Iliad” and “Odyssey” from around the 8th century BC. Modern Greek is its descendant.
5. Hebrew – Ancient religious language of the Jews, with biblical texts written in Classical Hebrew. Revived in the 19th and 20th centuries, it’s the official language of Israel.
6. Chinese – The earliest written records (oracle bone script) date from the Shang Dynasty, around 1250 BC. Modern varieties like Mandarin and Cantonese have evolved from Old Chinese.
7. Egyptian (Coptic) – Descendant of the language of the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Coptic is still used as a liturgical language by the Coptic Church in Egypt.
8. Latin – Language of ancient Rome and the Roman Empire, with texts like Cicero’s speeches from the 1st century BC. Though no longer spoken natively, Latin remains the liturgical language of the Roman Catholic Church and is taught in schools and universities.
9. Persian (Farsi) – Ancient records in Old Persian date back to the Achaemenid Empire in the 6th century BC. Modern Persian (or Farsi) is spoken in Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.
10. Basque – The origins of this language, spoken in the Basque Country in Spain and France, are mysterious, and it’s unrelated to any other known language.
11. Telugu – Another Dravidian language with ancient roots, having inscriptions from around the 6th century AD or earlier.
12. Icelandic – A North Germanic language, Icelandic has remained relatively unchanged since medieval times, allowing modern speakers to read the Old Norse sagas.
13. Irish Gaelic – One of the Celtic languages with ancient Ogham inscriptions and literature such as the Book of Leinster.

While these languages have ancient roots, they have evolved and changed over time. Icelandic has changed relatively little, while Chinese and Arabic have diversified into modern dialects or forms.

Understanding Languages

The oldest languages have been vital to human communication. Languages convey thoughts, ideas, and emotions between people and communities. The origin of language dates back thousands of years, and understanding its complex evolution provides insight into a diverse linguistic landscape.

Proto Languages

Proto-languages were the original languages that can group today’s languages together. Even though they also evolved to thoroughly different systems, some words seem to remain the same as they were thousands of years ago.

Wondrium Daily

Proto language is a concept in linguistic theory. It is a hypothetical ancestor from which existing languages can trace their lineage. The foundation of modern languages, proto languages have evolved by branching into language families. They have given birth to the plethora of languages spoken in the 21^st century.

Linguistic Evolution

An element of linguistic evolution is the presence of a common ancestor. The idea of a mother tongue suggests humans shared a single language that diversified and developed into language groups and dialects. The existence of a universal proto-human language remains a subject of debate among linguists. Studying languages and their historical connections helps us piece together the evolutionary puzzle.

Languages have adapted and evolved through:

• migration,
• interaction, and
• cultural exchange.

Influential factors contributed to linguistic diversification, such as:

• geographical separation,
• political shifts, and
• technological advancements.

As languages evolve, they are likely to undergo drastic changes in syntax, phonology, and vocabulary. This leads to the emergence of new languages and the extinction of older ones.

Takeaway

Understanding languages and their origins requires delving into the realms of proto-languages, common ancestors, and the historical context surrounding human communication. This knowledge helps to uncover linguistic patterns and connections that can shed light on the complex and fascinating journey of languages over hundreds and thousands of years.

Oldest Languages Discovered

The study of the oldest languages provides insight into the evolution of human communication and the foundations of modern languages. Among ancient languages, Sumerian is considered one of the first languages ever spoken. Evidence that dates back several millennia shows Sumerian played a crucial role in shaping the course of human evolution.

Historical Value

Other languages such as Hittite and Akkadian evolved thousands of years ago. They have immense historical value, and they influenced the development of many modern spoken languages. The ancient roots of these languages were in the Middle East and Africa. They offered linguists a wealth of knowledge on the complexities and development of human communication.

Old Languages hold Valuable Information

Among the findings, dead and extinct languages offer valuable information on the civilisations and societies that once used them. Studying ancient scripts and texts helps linguists understand the cultural, social, and political aspects of societies. Additionally, dead languages, though no longer in use, are important in the study of language evolution.

As the study of ancient languages continues, researchers strive to deepen their understanding of the cultures and history of our ancestors. By investigating the origins and evolution of these languages, linguists gain valuable insights into what shaped the course of human communication and the languages we know today.

Religion’s Influence on Languages

Religion has significantly impacted the development and preservation of languages worldwide. This influence can be found in the use of liturgical language employed in religious rituals and scriptures. These languages often hold a sacred status and play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage. They also foster a sense of unity among religious communities.

Sanskrit in Hinduism

Sanskrit has been regarded as a divine language in Hinduism, where it is used in religious texts and rituals. As the oldest language on the Indian subcontinent, its association with Hinduism has contributed to its continued use among scholars, priests, and devotees. The sacred status of Sanskrit has helped promote the transmission of knowledge through classical texts serving as cornerstones of Hindu philosophy and literature.

• Vedas,
• Upanishads, and
• Bhagavad Gita

The Impact of Buddhism on Pali and Chinese

Buddhism has also had a profound impact on language development in Asia. Early Buddhist texts, known as the Tripitaka, were originally written in Pali, a middle Indo-Aryan language. Pali’s association with Buddhism led to its adoption as a liturgical language in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand, where it is still in use today.

The spread of Mahayana Buddhism into China led to the translation of scriptures into Chinese. This facilitated the spread of Buddhism and enriched the Chinese literary tradition.

Jainism helped preserve Prakrit and Ardhamagahi

Jainism is an ancient Indian religion which contributed to language preservation using Prakrit and Ardhamagadhi. The Jain Scriptures, known as Agamas, were composed in these languages. A notable example is the Tattvartha Sutra, which presents the core teachings of Jainism.

Jain scholars are committed to preserving the sacred texts in these languages, which has helped maintain their relevance in the modern world.

Takeaway

The influence of religion on languages is evident in the use of liturgical languages and the preservation of sacred texts in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. These religious traditions have encouraged the maintenance of ancient languages and fostered the sense of unity and identity among their adherents. By doing so, they have contributed significantly to the richness and diversity of human languages and cultural heritage.

Ancient Near East Languages

The Ancient Near East was home to languages, many of which have left their mark on history and continue to be studied today. The following is a summary of some of these languages.

Sumerian

Sumerian is one of the earliest known languages, with written records dating back to the late fourth millennium BCE. It was written using cuneiform script, which was later adopted by other languages in the region. Sumerian was primarily spoken in ancient Mesopotamia, where it played a significant role in the development of early civilisations.

Egyptian

An ancient language spoken in the Nile Valley and documented using hieroglyphs. Egyptian developed alongside Sumerian cuneiform and is among the oldest written languages in the world. Over time, the language evolved into different forms, such as Old, Middle, and Late Egyptian.

Akkadian

The Akkadian language, which includes both Babylonian and Assyrian dialects, was spoken in Mesopotamia during the 3rd to 1st millennia BCE. It was the first Semitic language to be written, and it used the cuneiform script. This made it an important bridge between Sumerian and later Semitic languages.

Elamite

Elamite was spoken in the region of Elam (present-day south-west Iran). Like Sumerian and Akkadian, Elamite was recorded using the cuneiform script. However, its linguistic affiliations remain uncertain, and it is considered an isolate.

Hittite

The Hittite language was spoken in the ancient Anatolian region (modern-day Turkey). It belonged to the Indo-European language family. Hittite texts, written using cuneiform script, date back to the 17th century BCE. It peaked in the 2nd millennium BCE and was superceded by other Anatolian languages Luwian and Hattic.

Aramaic

Aramaic is a Semitic language that originated in the ancient Levant around the 10th century BCE. It eventually became the common language of the Middle East due to its widespread use across empires, including the Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian empires. Some communities still speak Aramaic. It influenced the development of other languages like Hebrew and Arabic.

Old Persian

Old Persian was spoken in the Achaemenid Empire and is an early member of the Iranian language family. Notable for its trilingual inscriptions found at Persepolis, Old Persian was recorded using a unique variant of cuneiform called the Old Persian script.

Old Church Slavonic

While not present in the Ancient Near East, Old Church Slavonic is another noteworthy ancient language. Originating in the 9th century CE, it was the first Slavic language to be written and has significantly influenced modern Slavic languages.

Takeaway

The Ancient Near East was a melting pot of diverse languages, many of which have left a lasting impact on human history and continue to be the subject of linguistic and archaeological studies.

Historical Perspective of Asian Languages

Asia is home to a diverse range of languages with rich histories. Some of the oldest and most notable languages in the region include Tamil, Sanskrit, and Chinese.

Tamil

Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken in Southern India and Sri Lanka that has been in existence for over 2,000 years. It boasts a rich literary tradition, with thousands of written works including poetry, philosophy, and religious texts.

Sanskrit

Sanskrit is another ancient language, originating from the Indian subcontinent. Believed to have developed around 1,500 BCE, Sanskrit holds great significance in the literary, religious, and philosophical spheres of ancient India. Vedic Sanskrit, a predecessor of Classical Sanskrit, is the language of the oldest Hindu scriptures called the Rigveda. While it is no longer a widely spoken language, Sanskrit remains influential, with many modern Indian languages borrowing from its vast vocabulary.

Chinese

The Chinese languages have a long and complex history, dating back to the development of Old Chinese around 1,000 BCE. Chinese languages have evolved and diversified over centuries, giving rise to various dialects and regional forms, such as:

• Mandarin,
• Cantonese,
• Wu, and
• Hakka.

From ancient Chinese scripts on oracle bones to the vast corpus of classical literature, the Chinese languages boast one of the oldest and richest literary traditions in the world.

Teluga

While the Telugu language may not be as old as Tamil or Sanskrit, it is another major Dravidian language, spoken in the South Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Just like the other ancient Asian languages mentioned, Telugu has a rich literary history and cultural significance.

Takeaway

The historical perspective of Asian languages reveals the immense diversity and cultural richness of the region. Each language, regardless of its age, has contributed significantly to the development and dissemination of knowledge, literature, and cultural practices throughout Asia.

Evolution of European Languages

Europe is home to hundreds of languages, and the Indo-European languages are the most dominant language family which includes Latin, Greek, and Persian. Proto-Indo-European is an earlier form of the Indo-European language family of which there is no direct record. However, it is believed to be the roots of English.

“The Indo-European Languages are a family of related languages that today are widely spoken in the Americas, Europe, and also Western and Southern Asia. Just as languages such as Spanish, French, Portuguese and Italian are all descended from Latin, Indo-European languages are believed to derive from a hypothetical language known as Proto-Indo-European, which is no longer spoken.”

World History Encyclopedia

Latin

Latin played a significant role in shaping modern European languages, specifically Italian and Spanish. It evolved from the ancestral Proto-Indo-European language and later gave rise to Vulgar Latin around the time of the Roman Empire. With the rise and fall of the empire, Latin diversified into several regional dialects.

Romance languages, which include Italian, French, and Spanish, evolved from Vulgar Latin in the early Middle Ages. For instance.  Italian is considered one of the closest languages to Latin, and we can trace the roots back to it.

Celtic

Another essential branch of the Indo-European family is the Celtic languages such as Irish Gaelic. Scholars believe these originated in Western Europe and later spread across the British Isles, where they evolved into separate but related languages.

Greek

Greek has a long history dating back to Mycenaean Greek, which was spoken around 1600-1200 BCE. It has since evolved into different forms, such as Ancient Greek, Hellenistic Greek, and finally Modern Greek. Although Greek has undergone significant changes throughout history, it has continued to maintain a strong linguistic identity and is still spoken in Greece and Cyprus today.

Euskara

The Basque language, known as Euskara is unique as it has no known relation to any other language family. Spoken in the Basque Country of Spain and southwestern France, its origins remain a mystery.

Lithuanian and Icelandic

Examples of older languages that have maintained their distinct linguistic features, are:

• Lithuanian, belonging to the Baltic language group, has retained many archaic forms resembling the Proto-Indo-European language.
• Icelandic, a North Germanic language, has preserved much of its grammar and vocabulary from Old Norse, making it one of the most conservative living languages in Europe.

Takeaway

The evolution of European languages has been a complex process involving different language families and historical events. From Latin shaping Romance languages to the unique origins of Basque, each language has its own fascinating history and development.

Understanding Language Preservation and Extinction

Languages are constantly evolving, resulting in some languages becoming endangered or extinct. Endangered languages are those that have few speakers and are at risk of disappearing. Whereas extinct languages are those that have no living speakers.

Early in the 21^st century there were over 3,000 languages, each spoken by fewer than 10,000 people – and an estimated 417 languages on the verge of extinction.

Preserving language is an important aspect to maintaining cultural heritage. Languages help to foster a sense of community and cultural identity among their speakers. Protecting languages plays a major role in sustaining diverse cultures. And it enriches our lives through a better understanding of those cultures, and the history and literature of the people.

Saving the Cherokee Language

A good example of an endangered language is Cherokee, which is spoken by the Cherokee Indians of North America. There are only a small number of fluent speakers left. But hopefully the efforts of activists and organisations working to develop resources, teaching materials, and support networks, will preserve the language.

Ways to Save Languages

In the face of language extinction, individuals and communities around the world are finding innovative ways to save languages from extinction. They include:

• documentation,
• new learning materials,
• use of technology, and
• the fostering of interest in the endangered language through community-based initiatives.

Takeaway

It is important to recognise the vital role languages play in expressing cultural identity and preserving the diverse heritage of humanity. By understanding the importance of preserving languages and the reasons for their extinction, we can ensure their unique contributions are not lost. We should work together to raise awareness and support the revitalisation and preservation of vulnerable languages.

Language in Literature

The history of language in literature is vast and diverse, spanning thousands of years and countless cultures. One of the earliest known written languages is Sumerian, used in southern Mesopotamia and dating back to 3100 BCE. Tamil and Oracle Bone Script (earliest writtenChinese) are other ancient languages that form the foundation of modern literary traditions.

Classical Literature

Classical literary works stem from languages, which continue to enrich our global cultural heritage. Many classical languages are now considered dead languages, as their modern spoken counterparts have evolved from the original written form. A good example of this is Latin, which influenced many modern languages, and has left an indelible mark on literature and law.

Modern Literature

In modern literature, authors often draw on linguistic diversity and historical context to create imaginative works. A noteworthy example is the British author and linguist, J.R.R. Tolkien. His fascination with ancient and artificial languages led him to construct several languages for his Middle-earth legendarium.

These languages, such as Elvish and Dwarvish, demonstrate Tolkien’s deep understanding of language evolution, grammar, and phonology. He wove them seamlessly into classic novels The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.

Sharing Cultural Identity

Language plays an essential role in preserving and sharing cultural identities through literature. Multilingual authors, for instance, bring fresh perspectives and unique voices to millions in their own languages. Through languages they add new dimensions to the literary landscape.

And linguistic experts painstakingly translate literary works from one language to another. In so doing they bring incredible works of literature to a worldwide audience. Thus fostering a greater appreciation of diverse cultural traditions.

Takeaway

Without bridging the language barriers, we would be much the poorer. Language is the lifeblood of literature. It shapes our understanding of the world, enhances our appreciation for the written word, and allows us to explore the rich tapestry of human expression throughout history.

Resource

The World’s Major Languages – Edited by Bernard Comrie

Why not Join Us

If you enjoyed this article, we would like to offer you two gifts – our Starter Pack of 4 James King’s books and our Weekly Digest, which you can receive by email.