Date: 11th of December, 2023

Author: Megha Grover

Languages are the tapestry through which the history of human civilization is woven. With an estimated 6,809 languages globally, the linguistic diversity is as vast as it is fascinating. While some languages boast millions of speakers, others are on the brink of extinction, spoken by a mere handful of individuals. In this enlightening journey, we explore the ten oldest languages still echoing through time, revealing a world rich in culture and history.

10. Armenian: A Time-Honored Tongue

Originating around 450 BC, the Armenian language is a jewel of the Indo-European family. Spoken in Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and parts of Iran, this ancient language, with its historical scriptures dating back to the fifth century, continues to thrive with a 5% global speaker base.

9. Korean: A Legacy of Influence

From 600 BC, the Korean language has evolved under the significant influence of Chinese culture. With Hangul as its unique script, Korean is now a vibrant language of around 80 million speakers worldwide.

8. Arabic: A Language of Antiquity

Tracing back over 1,000 years before Christ, Arabic, with its rich history and cultural significance, was once the official language of the Armenian Republic. Today, it remains a vital language in the Middle East and beyond.

7. Chinese: The Global Voice

As the most spoken language globally, Chinese, with its roots 1,200 years before the Common Era, forms a significant part of the Sino-Tibetan language family. Mandarin, a standardized form of Chinese, is spoken by over 1.2 billion people today.

6. Greek: Europe's Ancient Echo

The oldest language in Europe, Greek, dates back to 1450 years before Christ. Still spoken in Greece, Albania, and Cyprus, Greek's longevity is a testament to its enduring legacy.

5. Egyptian: A Language of the Pharaohs

Belonging to the Afro-Asiatic family, the Egyptian language dates back to between 2600 and 2000 years before Christ. Its unique characteristics continue to captivate linguists and historians alike.

4. Hebrew: Revival of a Sacred Tongue

Hebrew, approximately 3000 years old, is a remarkable example of linguistic resurrection. Once extinct, it was revitalized by the Israeli people and is now the official language of Israel. Esteemed as the 'holy language' by the Jewish community, Hebrew, written from right to left in its unique script, was the language of the Old Testament. Its study remains popular in Western universities, and it was also the official language of Palestine after World War I.

3. Latin: The Foundation of Modern Languages

Contrary to the original text, Latin, not Greek, holds the title of the third oldest language. It was the lingua franca of the ancient Roman Empire and the Roman Catholic Church. As a pivotal member of the Indo-European language family, Latin is the progenitor of the Romance languages like French, Italian, and Spanish, and it heavily influenced English. During medieval and pre-modern Europe, Latin was the scholarly and international language, used in religious, scientific, and philosophical texts.

2. Tamil: A Dravidian Ancestor

Tamil, one of the Dravidian language family's eldest members, has a history dating back about 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest known languages. It's spoken by approximately 77 million people across India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia. Tamil culture is rich in literature, and the language boasts a significant presence in the Tamil language. The enduring vibrancy of Tamil reflects its deep historical roots and cultural significance.

1. Sanskrit: The Primal Language

Sanskrit, often revered as 'Devbhasha' or the language of the gods, is considered the world's oldest language. Dating back over 5,000 years, Sanskrit's influence is evident in many European languages. Globally recognized by universities and educational institutions as the most ancient language, Sanskrit is believed to be the precursor to many world languages. In India, Sanskrit enjoys the status of an official language. Today, it primarily serves as a liturgical language in Hinduism, with the Vedas and other religious texts written in it.

The tapestry of the world's oldest languages offers a fascinating glimpse into human history and cultural evolution. From the intricate scripts of Sanskrit to the rich legacy of Tamil, each language tells a story of human ingenuity and resilience. As we explore these ancient tongues, we gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and complexity of human communication that has shaped our world.