Top 10 Oldest Languages In The World 2024

Explore the linguistic journey through time with a fascinating look at the Top 10 oldest languages in the world, including the World’s oldest language and those still spoken today. Uncover the Ancient languages of the world that form the foundation of human communication, from the First languages in human history to the Oldest written languages that continue to resonate in our modern world.

Old languages are like windows into the past. They reveal how some of these languages have survived for millennia and still have a role in the present. These languages are not just relics of history, they are essential parts of how people developed communication and writing. We will explore languages that have a long and rich history and have influenced how we speak and write today. From ancient Sanskrit to the enigmatic symbols of Egyptian hieroglyphs. 

This article is all about the top 10 oldest languages that are still around. We will see where these languages came from, why they’re important, and how they’ve managed to stick around for so long.

Top 10 Oldest Languages in the World

• Sanskrit: Ancient language of India, foundational to many South Asian languages.
• Tamil: Spoken in parts of India, Sri Lanka, and Singapore, with a rich literary tradition.
• Egyptian: Ancient language with evidence dating back to 3400 BCE.
• Sumerian: The language of ancient Sumer, in modern-day Iraq, with the earliest written evidence.
• Akkadian: Used in ancient Mesopotamia, known from cuneiform texts.
• Chinese: With a history of written records going back over 3,000 years.
• Greek: Influential in science, philosophy, and the arts, with continuous history.
• Hebrew: Sacred language of Judaism, revitalized as a spoken language for modern Israel.
• Aramaic: Once a lingua franca of the Near East, still used in some religious communities.
• Latin: The language of the Roman Empire, foundational to the Romance languages.

Top 10 Most Oldest Languages Still Spoken

Here are the world’s oldest languages known with evidence and significance –

1. Sanskrit

Sanskrit is fundamental to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. It is the language in which many of the foundational texts of these religions were composed, including the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita.

Sanskrit has significantly influenced many other languages, especially in South Asia. Many modern Indian languages, such as Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi, have roots in Sanskrit and borrow heavily from its vocabulary.

Sanskrit Origin and Significance –

Dating back to at least 2,000 BCE, Sanskrit’s earliest form is found in the Rigveda, a sacred Hindu text. Known as the ‘language of the gods’ in Hinduism, Sanskrit is crucial for understanding ancient Indian scriptures, philosophy, and history.

• Current Status: While no longer a spoken language, Sanskrit is widely used in Hindu rituals and scholarly works.

2. Egyptian

The Egyptian language, with its rich history and cultural significance, offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the world’s oldest civilizations. The Egyptian language evolved over time, passing through several stages – Old Egyptian, Middle Egyptian, Late Egyptian, Demotic, and finally Coptic.

Egyptian Origin and Significance –

Emerging around 3400 BCE, Egyptian hieroglyphs are one of the earliest writing systems. Evolution evolved into Coptic, the liturgical language of the Coptic Orthodox Church. It offers invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian civilization and culture.

• Current Status: While no longer spoken as a daily language, Egyptian hieroglyphs and the Coptic language are studied by scholars and remain a subject of great interest in archaeology and linguistics.

3. Greek

Ancient Greek literature includes some of the world’s most enduring works, such as Homer’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey“, and the tragedies of Sophocles, Euripides, and Aeschylus. These works have had a profound influence on Western literature and culture.

Modern English has borrowed a significant number of words from Greek, especially in fields like science, medicine, and philosophy. Words like “democracy”, “philosophy”, “academy”, and “theater” all have Greek origins.

Greek Origin and Significance –

Greek has been spoken for over 3,000 years, making it one of the oldest languages in Europe. The earliest written evidence of Greek dates back to around 1450 BCE with the Linear B script, used for writing Mycenaean Greek.

• Current Status: Greek is spoken by approximately 13-15 million people worldwide. The majority of speakers reside in Greece, where Greek is the official language, and in Cyprus, where it is one of the official languages.

4. Chinese

Chinese uses a logographic writing system, meaning each character represents a word or a meaningful part of a word. This script is one of the few ancient scripts still in use today. here are several Chinese dialects, with Mandarin (Putonghua) being the most widely spoken. Other major dialects include Cantonese, Wu, Min, and Hakka.

• Mandarin Language: Mandarin Chinese is not only the official language of China but also one of the six official languages of the United Nations. It is the most spoken first language in the world, with over a billion speakers.

Chinese Origin and Significance –

The Chinese language, with its earliest written records dating back to the Shang dynasty (around 1250 BCE), has a rich linguistic history. Diversity encompasses several dialects, including Mandarin, Cantonese, and others.

• Global Influence: One of the most spoken languages in the world today.

5. Tamil

Tamil is recognized as one of the longest-surviving classical languages in the world. It has an unbroken literary tradition, making it unique among the major living languages of the world.

• Rich Literary Tradition: Tamil literature spans a vast range of genres and styles, from the ancient Sangam literature (dating from c. 300 BCE to 300 CE) to modern literary forms. The Sangam literature is a collection of poems and songs that provide valuable insights into the ancient Tamil way of life.
• Geographical Spread: While primarily spoken in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry, Tamil is also an official language in Sri Lanka and Singapore. It has a significant number of speakers in Malaysia, Mauritius, Fiji, and South Africa.
• Distinct Script: The Tamil script evolved from the ancient Brahmi script. It is unique and differs significantly from most other Indian scripts, particularly in its lack of conjunct consonants.

6. Korean

The Korean language, known as Hangul in South Korea and Chosŏn’gŭl in North Korea, has a unique and fascinating history. Here are some key facts about it:

• Origins: Korean is believed to have originated on the Korean Peninsula. The history of the language can be traced back to the three Kingdoms period, with the earliest Korean inscriptions dating to the 4th century CE.
• The Korean Script – Hangul: Hangul, the Korean alphabet, was created in the 15th century by King Sejong the Great and his scholars. It was designed to be easy to learn and use, in contrast to Classical Chinese, which was the dominant written language in Korea at that time.
• Phonetic System: Hangul is known for its scientific and systematic phonetic structure. It consists of 14 consonants and 10 vowels, which can be combined to form numerous syllables.
• Cultural Impact: The global rise in popularity of Korean culture, known as the “Korean Wave” or “Hallyu,” has significantly increased interest in the Korean language. This phenomenon is driven by Korean drama, music (K-pop), movies, and cuisine.

7. Aramaic

The Aramaic language, with its rich history and cultural significance, holds a special place in the world of linguistics and ancient studies.

• Ancient Origins: Aramaic dates back to around the 10th century BCE. It originated in the region known as the Levant, which includes parts of modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Iraq.
• Lingua Franca of Empires: In ancient times, Aramaic was the lingua franca, or common language, of various empires, including the Neo-Assyrian Empire, the Neo-Babylonian Empire, and the Achaemenid Empire. This widespread use led to its adoption across a large geographic area.
• Scriptural Language: Aramaic holds religious significance. Parts of the Hebrew Bible (especially the books of Daniel and Ezra) were written in Aramaic. It’s also used in some of the Talmudic and Midrashic writings. Additionally, it is believed that Jesus Christ spoke a dialect of Aramaic.

Aramaic represents a significant part of the cultural and religious heritage of many Middle Eastern communities. It is not just a language but a carrier of traditions, stories, and a unique worldview.

8. Hebrew

The Hebrew language is one of the world’s oldest languages, with a history that is both rich and unique.

• Biblical Origins: Hebrew dates back to around 10th century BCE. It’s the original language of the Bible’s Old Testament, making it central to Judaism and significant in Christianity and Islam.
• Classical and Modern Forms: Ancient Hebrew, often referred to as Biblical Hebrew, was used in religious contexts. Modern Hebrew is a revived version of the ancient language and has been adapted for everyday use.
• Language Revival: One of the most remarkable aspects of Hebrew is its revival as a spoken language. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Eliezer Ben-Yehuda and others led efforts to revive Hebrew as a spoken language. It had been primarily a liturgical language for centuries.
• Official Language of Israel: Today, Hebrew is an official language of Israel, spoken by millions of people. It is a symbol of Jewish identity and nationalism.

9. Farsi (Persian)

Farsi, belonging to the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European languages, has its earliest origins traced back to around 600 BCE.

• Cultural Significance: Persian has a celebrated tradition in poetry, literature, and academia. Renowned poets like Rumi, Hafez, and Omar Khayyam wrote their works in Persian, contributing significantly to its literary richness.
• Geographical Spread: While primarily spoken in Iran, Farsi is also a major language in Afghanistan (where it’s known as Dari) and Tajikistan (where it’s referred to as Tajik). There are also sizable Persian-speaking communities in other countries, including Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and diaspora communities worldwide.
• Script and Evolution: Modern Persian is written in the Persian-Arabic script, but it has undergone significant evolution. Old Persian was written in cuneiform, and later forms, including Middle Persian (Pahlavi), used a different script.
• Influence on Other Languages: Persian has historically been a lingua franca in parts of the Middle East and Central Asia, influencing neighboring languages, including Urdu, Hindi, Turkish, and others, primarily in terms of vocabulary.
• UNESCO Recognition: Persian literature, particularly its classical poetry, has been recognized by UNESCO, which celebrates Persian New Year (Nowruz) as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

10. Latin

Latin, often referred to as the language of the Romans, holds a significant place in the history of Western languages and culture. Here are some key facts about Latin:

• Origin: Latin originated in the Latium region, particularly around the area of Rome, in the 7th century BCE.
• Classical Language of Ancient Rome: Latin was the lingua franca of the Roman Empire, used extensively in administration, literature, and scholarship.
• Foundation for Romance Languages: Latin is the progenitor of the Romance languages, which include Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Romanian. These languages evolved from Latin over the centuries, especially after the fall of the Roman Empire.
• Influence on English: While English is a Germanic language, it has been heavily influenced by Latin, primarily through French after the Norman Conquest and directly through scholarly and ecclesiastical contexts. A significant portion of English vocabulary is derived from Latin.
• Literary and Historical Significance: Latin literature includes works by authors such as Virgil, Ovid, Cicero, and Julius Caesar. These texts are foundational to Western literature and thought.
• Scientific and Legal Language: For centuries, Latin was the predominant language of scholarly, scientific, and legal texts in Western Europe. Many scientific terms, especially in taxonomy and anatomy, are still used in their original Latin form.

World’s Oldest Languages Still Spoken – Timeline

Here are some of the world’s oldest languages that are still spoken today, along with their earliest recorded evidence, region of origin, and notable features –

Language	Earliest Recorded Evidence (BCE)	Region of Origin	Notable Features
Sanskrit	1500	Indian Subcontinent	Vedic texts, basis for many Indian languages
Egyptian	3400	Egypt	Hieroglyphs, evolved into Coptic
Greek	1400	Greece	Foundational Western literature and philosophy
Chinese	1250	China	Several dialects, one of the most spoken languages
Tamil	300	Southern India and Sri Lanka	Continuous literary tradition
Korean	400	Korean Peninsula	Early inscriptions from 4th century CE, Hangul script
Aramaic	1000	Near East	Lingua franca of Near East, used in religious contexts
Hebrew	1000	Levant	Central to Jewish religious texts, modern revival
Farsi	600	Iran	Rich poetic tradition, spoken in Iran and surrounding areas
Latin	700	Latium, Italy	Basis of Romance languages, used in scientific, legal texts

World’s Oldest Language

• Tamil and Sanskrit are often cited as the world’s oldest languages, with Tamil having a continuous cultural and literary history.

Oldest Spoken Languages Still in Use

• Tamil: Over 2,000 years of continuous use.
• Hebrew: Revived for modern use in Israel.
• Greek: Evolved but unbroken lineage from ancient to modern times.

Top 10 Oldest Languages Still Spoken

• Includes Tamil, Hebrew, Greek, Chinese, Persian (Farsi), and Arabic, each with a rich history and cultural significance.

Ancient Languages of the World

• Cuneiform Languages: Like Sumerian and Akkadian, among the earliest forms of written communication.
• Hieroglyphic Languages: Egyptian hieroglyphs represent one of the oldest writing systems.

First Languages in Human History

• Proto-Human Languages: Theoretical common ancestors of language families, predating historical records.
• Sumerian: Considered among the first languages with a written form.

Oldest Written Languages

• Cuneiform (Sumerian): The world’s oldest known writing system.
• Egyptian Hieroglyphs: Used for thousands of years in ancient Egypt.
• Chinese Characters: One of the oldest continuously used writing systems.

Which is the Oldest Language in the World?

Sanskrit, an ancient language of India, is often considered as the oldest languages in the world. It has a rich history and is known for its complex grammar and philosophical texts. Sanskrit’s earliest form, called Vedic Sanskrit, can be traced back to over 3,500 years ago. This language has greatly influenced many other languages and is a key part of India’s cultural and religious heritage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the exploration of the top 10 oldest languages in the world is not just a journey through linguistics but a voyage into human history and culture. These ancient tongues, from the mystical Sanskrit to the hieroglyphs of Egyptian, are more than mere means of communication; they are living testaments to our ancestors’ ingenuity, beliefs, and ways of life. They have shaped literature, religion, and entire civilizations, surviving the test of time to tell a story that is uniquely human. As we continue to study and preserve these linguistic treasures, we not only honor our past but also enrich our understanding of the diverse tapestry of human existence.

Top 10 Oldest Languages In The World – FAQs

What are the top 10 oldest languages in the world as of 2024?

Sanskrit, Egyptian, Greek, Chinese, Tamil, Korean, Aramaic, Hebrew, Farsi (Persian), and Latin are listed among the top 10 oldest languages.

Which language is considered the oldest?

Sanskrit is often cited as one of the oldest languages, with roots going back over 3,500 years.

Are any of the oldest languages still spoken today?

Yes, languages such as Tamil, Hebrew, and Greek are among the oldest still in use today for communication and religious practices.

What is the age of these ancient languages?

These languages range from 2,500 years old, like Persian, to over 3,250 years old for Han Ethnic Chinese.

How have the oldest languages survived through history?

Many of these languages have survived through written records, religious texts, and continuous use in cultural and communication practices.

What are some of the oldest written languages?

Oracle Bone Script, Luwian Hieroglyphs, Linear B, Hittite Cuneiform, and Linear A are among the oldest written languages.

Why is the study of ancient languages important?

Studying ancient languages offers insights into human history, culture, philosophy, and the development of modern languages and societies.

Which language is first in the world?

Historians and linguists generally agree that Sumerian, Akkadian and Egyptian are the oldest languages with a clear written record. All three are extinct, meaning they are no longer used and do not have any living descendants that can carry the language to the next generation.

Is Tamil born from Sanskrit?

Tamil is not derived from Sanskrit, although the two did influence each other throughout history. While Sanskrit is an Indo-European language, Tamil comes from the Dravidian language family. So, Tamil and Sanskrit are not directly related.

Who is the mother of all languages?

The perfect form of the Sanskrit language had existed thousands of years before the infancy of the earliest prime languages of the world like Greek, Hebrew and Latin, etc. Sanskrit is the first script and mother of all languages in the world. We can find the roots of Sanskrit in all the languages of the world.

What is the 2nd oldest language?

This is the second oldest language in the world which is still being used today. Sanskrit is the language of Jainism, Hinduism, and Buddhism. 7,000 people are Sanskrit speakers.