Language is man's greatest creation. Our ancestors, the Neanderthals, showed us the first glimpses of language, using grunting and pointing to communicate with one another.
Over the next few millenniums, the spoken word began to rise. As early as 3 BC, the first languages began to be spoken, and it is from these ancient art forms (because make no mistake, language is an art form), that the spoken word we enjoy today in many different countries, has been derived. With that in mind, here are the 5 oldest languages known to civilization.
5. Greek
The first appearance of written Greek has been traced back to over 3000 years ago. Since then it has been used continuously, and is currently the official language of Greece and the Republic of Cyprus, an Eastern Mediterranean island country. It is the oldest Indo-European language still used today.
However, the Modern Greek spoken today is not quite the same as the Ancient Greek used in 9th century BC. The language developed to what we now call Medieval Greek, by around 4th century AD, around 1700 years ago, the age of Alexander the Great, before progressing to the Modern Greek commonly spoken nowadays.
4. Hebrew
Historically, the earliest uses of the language Hebrew was more than 3000 years ago, but became a dead language in the 4th century.
Yet, today, it is spoken by more than 9 million people across the world. This is thanks to the spread of Zionism, the Jewish Nationalist Movement, over the last 2 centuries. While Modern Hebrew is quite different than Ancient Hebrew when spoken, the written forms of both are quite similar.
3. Egyptian
Egypt, being one of the oldest civilizations of humankind, was naturally the birthplace of one of the oldest languages, Egyptian. This Ancient language, along with Egyptian Coptic are the oldest languages native to Egypt. The first usage of this language in text has been dated back to 3400 BC, approximately 5000 years ago.
Ancient Egyptian was eventually lost to time and Coptic was largely spoken until the 18th century. Today, only few know these languages, and the commonly spoken language is Arabic, or Saidi Arabic.
2. Sanskrit
Sanskrit is older still than Egyptian, and it's usage dates back to earlier than 2000 BC, more than 4000 years ago. Numerous Vedic texts as well as the scriptures of Jainism, Hinduism and Buddhism, which emerged at this time, heavily feature the use of Sanskrit.
Sanskrit has also been the basis of a number of other languages (both the modern and ancient forms). While it is not very widely known and even less frequently spoken, Sanskrit continues to remain one of India's official languages and is even taught in many schools.
1. Tamil
(By AntanO, Wikimedia Commons)
This language emerged slightly before Sanskrit, but unlike it's more religiously used counterpart, Tamil is still a commonly spoken language, especially so in Tamil Nadu, a South Indian state. Tamil is also an official language in both Singapore and Sri Lanka as well as India.
As a widely spoken language, there are currently over a dozen different dialects of Tamil spoken all across the states. However, forms of ancient Tamil are also still alive and well in many circles of these localities.
What Is Life Like in Japan? These 15 Facts Will Tell You
Japan has a number of cultural differences. Here are 15 intriguing facts about this countries.
Travel To The Ancient Shiratani Unsuikyo Forest In Japan
Get your virtual nature getaway here with 10 magnificent photos of a forest in Japan that has tress over 1,000 years old!
QUIZ: How Many Foreign Words Do You Know?
This quiz has 15 questions about 15 words and phrases in foreign languages you need to identify.
Did You Know Bones Make Up 15% of Your Bodyweight?
A 9-minute video compilation stacked with facts you've never heard about nature and the human body.
These Majestic Churches are Some of the World’s OLDEST
There is something special about churches, especially ancient ones. Here are 9 of the oldest and most majestic churches around the world.
These Amazing Hotels Are the Oldest in the World
The oldest hotels in the world have fascinating histories, and the oldest one of all is well over 1,300 years old. Find out all about them in this guide.
12 Foods We Bet You Didn't Know Could be Microwaved
Do you think that your microwave is only good for heating frozen dinners? If so, you’re sorely mistaken! Use the following microwave hacks to soften sugar, froth milk, whip up some French toast, and more!
The DO'S and DON'TS of Gardening During the Heat
As the temperatures soar, make sure you don’t commit these to your garden.
Catch an Attacker Off-Guard with These Self Defense Moves
Learn a few simple moves and catch your attacker off guard with this simple guide.
5 Natural DIY Remedies for Blackhead Removal
In this article, we'll teach you to get rid of blackheads using 5 easy and effective at-home methods
I've Discovered Conditioner Has Many Other Talents...
Hair conditioner can do a lot more than just make your hair shiny...
15 Surprising Uses of Potatoes Outside the Cooking Pot
Potatoes are a great staple of many food dishes around the world, but they also have many uses outside of the kitchen. These will surprise you!
The Genius Ways to Wrap Awkwardly Shaped Gifts
To save yourself a little money, and to help you get a tad more creative this festive season, we've got the perfect solution for you.
10 Poisonous Flowers Every Gardener Should Know About
Flowers add an array of color to your garden, but some of these are actually quite toxic. Here are 10 of that you should be aware of.
Wow! Even We Were Amazed At These 11 Ingenious Tips
Everyone needs some tips in life, and these 11 are worth remembering because they'll help you solve a variety of problems, make life easier and save money!
14 Surprising Uses for Binder Clips You've Never Thought Of
Binder clip – most people wouldn’t think this handy little clip can do more than just bind paper, but, as you’ll see below, it has many other uses.
10 Terrific Life Hacks For the Winter Days Ahead
This video will show you some fantastic, yet simple, tips and tricks for this winter.
The Ultimate Guide to Using and Creating Sherry Vinegar
Not only is sherry vinegar delicious, but it also has many health benefits too. Find out more here.
How To Prevent Roaches From Entering Your Home
Learn some useful tips as you struggle to keep roaches out of your home.
Use This Tip to Slice Onions Safely, Easily & Beautifully
Slicing onions using only a knife is very difficult - and quite dangerous too. But with this amazing tip you'll keep your fingers safe and the slices perfect!
These Tips Will Help You Keep Your Car In Order
These hacks will help you get shinier headlights, organize your interior, and provide a nifty hack to help you remove a small car dent and lots more.
The Trick to a Perfect Flower Arrangement is Amazingly Easy
Sometimes, the simplest ideas yield the best results - A simple trick that makes flower arrangement as easy as pie!
Waste No More: 6 Great Ways to Use Fruit & Veggie Peels
If you want to save both money and reduce your waste, remember these 6 practical and delicious ideas for what you can do to utilize your fruit and vegetable leftovers to the max.
Don’t Let Broken Zippers Bother You Again. I’ve Found a Fix!
Don’t throw away your favorite pair of pants because of a broken zipper. Grab and needle and thread and try this easy fix.
Have Some Tennis Balls? Do Something Useful With Them!
We will teach you how to convert tennis balls into a massage tool for sore muscles, a hidden safe for valuables, an effective cleaning tool, and more.
How to Steer Clear of Germs While Grocery Shopping
Who knew grocery stores would become high-risk environments one day? This article explains how to shop safely during the COVID-19 epidemic
Guide: Did You Know About These Extra Uses?
This collection features the best tips and alternative uses for many of your household items. Each of these posts has a lot of information for alternative uses to make your lives easier.
These Innocuous Car Items Conceal Surprising Dangers
If you're a car owner, this video will be really helpful to you.
How Woodworking Can Create Additional Revenue for You
The best woodworking business courses teach everything from basic woodworking techniques to advanced marketing strategies.
DIY: 6 Methods for Removing Scratches from Eyeglasses
If you wear glasses or know someone who does, you've probably heard them complain about scratches. Now you can fix these scratches with the following 6 tips!
7 Common Bank Scams and How to Avoid Them
Banking scams continue to evolve with time, but with proper knowledge you can learn to avoid them.
These 15 Surprising Cucumber Uses Will Come in Handy
Cucumbers are a very healthy addition to any diet, but they also have many other great uses that you should know about. Here's 15...
Make Your Garden As Beautiful as Can be With Epsom Salts
Epsom salts are highly rich in nutrients, and this means that they're great for helping flowers and trees to grow beautifully and healthily. Read these 15 tips.
Say Goodbye to Rotten Fruits & Veggies with These 12 Tips
The way you store your groceries can affect their shelf life. These 12 tips will help keep your fruits and vegetables fresh for longer.
10 Dog Winter Care Tips that'll Guarantee a Healthy Pet
The following list delves into ten pivotal areas of focus for dog owners, ensuring a comprehensive approach to winter dog care.
Maintain Your Credibility By Avoiding the Following Words
There are certain words that many of us tend to use habitually. Unfortunately we use them to our detriment, as they harm our credibility. Find out more.
Impress Your Friends and Family with These 12 Magic Tricks
Check out these 12 simple yet astonishing magic tricks that require nothing but a couple of packs of cards and some common household items.
5 Common Insect Bites You Should Fear and Beware!
Sometimes bug bites can be relatively harmless, and sometimes they can be much more worrying. But how do you know when? Here are 5 bug bites to watch for.
A Word from Warren Buffett: Investing for Beginners
Unpack the genius of Buffet's philosophy and get a chance to understand the financial world through his eyes. Tune in, absorb, and let your financial journey flourish.
Do You Know When to Go to Bed? Just Follow Our Tips
A great way to boost your health is to make sure you are getting enough sleep. Here are 10 bedtime rituals that are sure to get you in the mood to sleep.
Our Complete Guide to Peeling Fruits and Vegetables!
Each fruit and vegetable has a different way of being effectively peeled. Our guide will teach you the very best methods!
If You Have a Mouse Problem, This is How to Get Rid of It
If you have a mouse in your house there are many great (and humane) ways to get rid of it. Here are 6 of them.
Here’s Why You Should Start Saving Pasta Water
What if we told you that you have been flushing something many chefs call ‘liquid gold’ down the drain all these years?
14 Little Known Ways to Save on Gas While Driving!
If you take heed of these 14 easy pieces of advice, you will end up saving hundreds of dollars each year on gas.
Do NOT Store These Fruit and Veg Together!
What are the best ways to store fresh fruit and vegetables? This guide explains.
Here's Why You Should Never Wear Shoes Inside Your House
Here are 7 reasons why you should get into the habit of taking your shoes off before you enter your house!
If You Have Glasses, Here Are 12 Tips You Should Know...
Broken hinges, misplacement. These occurrences mean we sometimes need assistance in the vision department .These are 12 hacks to get by without spectacles.