Language legacies: Discovering the ancient roots of five spoken tongues
In the web of human history, languages emerge as enduring threads, preserving cultures, narratives, and identities that transcend time. Here we'll look into the world's five oldest languages, resiliently spoken across centuries, acting as bridges connecting the past and present. As linguistic repositories, these ancient tongues communicate the essence of civilizations, providing a unique lens through which we understand the evolution of human connection.
Tamil
A beacon of antiquity, Tamil, the oldest non-Sanskrit language in India, traces its origins back to 300 BCE. With ancient inscriptions on pottery and cave walls, and the Tolkāppiyam, a literary masterpiece from the 1st century BCE, Tamil's cultural significance persists. Spoken by 75 million people, it echoes through Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Greek
Greek, a living Indo-European language, can be traced back to at least the 16th century BCE, witnessed in the script called Linear B. Its historical evolution spans Mycenaean Greek, Ancient Greek, Koine Greek, Medieval Greek, to Modern Greek. With 13 million speakers in Greece and Cyprus, Greek remains a linguistic testament to the evolution of civilization, leaving a mark on literature, philosophy, and art.
Hebrew
Hebrew, an ancient Semitic language, dates to around the 10th century BCE with its script, Paleo-Hebrew. Once on the brink of extinction, a 19th-century revival renewed its spoken presence. As the language of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Old Testament, Hebrew holds sacred status among Jews, Christians, and Muslims, boasting nine million speakers primarily in Israel and the Jewish diaspora.
Chinese
Chinese, the oldest continuously written language, unfolds through oracle bones and a complex writing system. Mandarin, its widely spoken variety, serves as the official language in China and Taiwan and is one of Singapore's official languages. With a linguistic history spanning over 3,000 years, Chinese resonates with 1.3 billion speakers, making it one of the most spoken languages globally, shaping cultures across regions.
Sanskrit
Sanskrit, dating back to 1500 BCE, stands as the oldest Indo-European language with a written record. Its classical status is evident in ancient Indian texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita. Sanskrit's influence extends globally, shaping languages like English, German, and French. Considered a classical language by the Indian government, it endures in religious and scholarly pursuits.