The evolution of human communication is a captivating story, with many of the oldest surviving languages showcasing the links between our past and present.
These languages not only reflect the unique cultural narratives of their speakers but also provide a window into the ancient civilizations that shaped the current world.
For many of these old surviving languages, they are more than linguistic relics; they are living bridges to humanity’s past.
In this article, Pan-Atlantic Kompass explore seven of the oldest surviving languages;
1. Tamil (Over 5,000 Years Old)
Tamil, a Dravidian language spoken primarily in southern India and Sri Lanka, dates back over 5,000 years. Inscribed on ancient stone tablets and featured in classical literature like the Tolkāppiyam, Tamil boasts a rich literary tradition. Today, over 75 million people speak Tamil, preserving its vibrant cultural heritage.
2. Sanskrit (Over 4,000 Years Old)
Sanskrit, the liturgical language of Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism, traces its roots to around 2000 BCE.
Known for its precise grammar and vast body of texts, including the Vedas, Sanskrit remains in use for religious ceremonies and scholarly study, with efforts to revive it in daily conversation.
3. Hebrew (Over 3,000 Years Old)
Hebrew, a Semitic language, was used in ancient Israelite kingdoms around 1000 BCE. After falling out of everyday use, it was revived in the 19th century and is now the official language of Israel, spoken by over 9 million people. Hebrew emerging as one of the oldest languages in the world showcases the power of cultural determination.
4. Chinese (Over 3,000 Years Old)
Chinese, particularly its archaic forms like Old Chinese, has been documented since the Shang Dynasty (circa 1250 BCE). With its unique logographic script, Chinese has evolved into modern Mandarin, spoken by over 1 billion people, making it one of the oldest surviving languages.
5. Greek (Over 3,000 Years Old)
Greek, with origins around 1500 BCE, is one of the oldest Indo-European languages.
From the epic poems of Homer to modern Greek spoken in Greece and Cyprus, it has shaped philosophy, science, and literature. Approximately 13 million people speak Greek today.
6. Aramaic (Over 3,000 Years Old)
Aramaic, once a lingua franca of the ancient Near East, dates back to around 1100 BCE. Though its use has declined, it survives in small communities, particularly among Assyrian and Chaldean Christians. Its historical role in trade and religion underscores its significance.
7. Arabic (Over 2,500 Years Old)
Arabic, a Semitic language, traces its roots to at least the 4th century CE, with pre-Islamic poetry and inscriptions like the Namara (328 CE).
Evolving from Old Arabic, it became the language of the Quran in the 7th century, spreading across the Middle East and North Africa.
Today, over 400 million people speak Arabic in various dialects, and Classical Arabic remains central to Islamic scholarship and culture.
