What Was the First Language Ever Spoken
There was a time when human beings used to communicate via gestures and primitive oral sounds. The concept of structured language came into existence around 10,000 years ago via scriptures. The origin of first-ever language is highly debated as there are several media of communication that can be attributed as language. However, linguists have studied thousands of languages and have come to a conclusion that the age of a language should be calculated by its first appearance in texts and its contemporary use.
Heeding to this, we bring you seven of the oldest languages in the world that are still widely in use:
Tamil: Origin (according to first appearance as script) - 300 BC
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The earliest example of the language can be traced back to 300 BC, but its origin is believed to be during 2500 BC or so. In today's world, around 78 million people in the world speak Tamil. It is this fact of contemporary utility that makes Tamil the longest surviving language in the world
Sanskrit: Origin (according to first appearance as script) - 2000 BC
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Considered to be the 'language of the Gods', Sanskrit is the ancient language of India. The earliest example of this language can be found in the second millennium BC. The language is still spoken by small group of people. The influence of Sanskrit on several western languages is known to all. The basic language of computers were also constructed along the principles of Sanskrit
Greek: Origin (according to first appearance as script) - 1500 BC
Image source:nativlang.com
Once upon a time all prominent philosophers and scholars of the world used to think, speak and write Greek. The language dates back to around 1500 BC. At present, around 13 million people living in Greece and Cyprus. It is also recognized as an official language by the European Union
Chinese: Origin (according to first appearance as script) - 1250 BC
Image source:topchinatravel.com
Chinese is the first language for the most number of people in the world. Around 1.2 billion people consider Chinese to be their first language. The origin of the language has been traced back to 1250 BC in the late Shang dynasty. Along with Tamil, Chinese is one of the oldest surviving languages in the world that has this much contemporary value
Hebrew: Origin (according to first appearance as script) - 1000 BC
Image source:Bible History Online
It is believed by many that Hebrew has been used for the last 5000 years. However, the earliest example of Hebrew has been found around 1000 BC. The language ceased to be a spoken tongue from 200 CE to 400 CE. At present, around 9 million people speak Hebrew across the world
Latin: Origin (according to first appearance as script) - 75 BC
Image source: Biblical-data.org
Latin is one of the oldest classical languages that have survived through the winds of time. Like Sanskrit, Latin has also influenced numerous languages over the course of time. The earliest appearance of this language can be traced back to the days of the Roman Empire, which was formed around 75 BC. Latin is still the official language of Poland and the Vatican City and is still learned by millions around the world.
Arabic: Origin (according to first appearance as script) - 512 CE
Image source: Arabetics
At present, around 290 million people consider Arabic as their first language. The earliest example of Arabic inscription dates back to 512 CE. Middle-East countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman and others use Arabic for official documents and consider it as their native language.
Sources: Wikipedia, The Culture Trip
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What Was the First Language Ever Spoken
Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current-affairs/story/oldest-languages-839038-2016-12-20