What Are the 20 Oldest Languages in the World? (Updated 2026)

Language is one of humanity’s most outstanding achievements. It shapes how we think, communicate, and connect across cultures and time. But have you ever wondered which languages have survived the longest? What is the oldest language in the world, and what makes these ancient tongues so remarkable?

In this comprehensive guide, we explore the 20 oldest languages in the world, tracing their origins from ancient civilisations to modern-day speakers. Whether you’re a language enthusiast, a history buff, or a business seeking translation services for ancient or modern languages, this article will provide valuable insights into humanity’s linguistic heritage.

Understanding Language Age: What Makes a Language “Old”?

Before diving into our list, it’s essential to understand how linguists determine a language’s age. There are two main ways to measure this:

• Written attestation: The earliest known written records of a language are the most reliable evidence, as they provide physical evidence of when people began writing in that language.
• Linguistic reconstruction: Scholars can trace a language’s origins through comparative linguistics, even if written records don’t exist. This method estimates when a language likely existed based on its descendants.

For this article, we focus primarily on written attestation, as it provides concrete evidence. However, we also consider languages that have been continuously spoken for millennia, even if their earliest written forms appeared later.

The Top 20 Oldest Languages in the World

1. Sumerian (c. 3400–3100 BCE)

What country has the oldest language in the world? The answer takes us to ancient Mesopotamia, now southern Iraq. Sumerian is widely considered the world’s oldest written language, with evidence dating back to around 3400 BCE.

The Sumerians developed cuneiform script, one of humanity’s first writing systems, by making wedge-shaped marks on clay tablets. These tablets recorded everything from administrative documents to epic poems, such as the famous Epic of Gilgamesh.

Sumerian is a language isolate, meaning it has no known relatives in any other language family. Unfortunately, Sumerian died out as a spoken language around 2000 BCE, replaced by Akkadian. However, it continued to be used for religious and scholarly purposes until the 1st century CE.

Modern relevance: Whilst Sumerian is extinct, studying it helps archaeologists and historians understand ancient Mesopotamian civilisation. For businesses working with historical documents or museums, certified translation services can help interpret these ancient texts.

2. Egyptian (c. 2690–2600 BCE)

Ancient Egyptian, with its iconic hieroglyphic script, was first recorded around 2690 BCE. The earliest complete sentence in Ancient Egyptian dates to this period, making it one of the oldest languages with substantial written records.

Egyptian hieroglyphics combined logographic and alphabetic elements, allowing scribes to record complex ideas. The language evolved through several stages: Old Egyptian, Middle Egyptian, Late Egyptian, Demotic, and finally Coptic.

Today, Coptic survives as the liturgical language of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria. Whilst not widely spoken in daily life, it represents a direct link to ancient Egyptian civilisation.

Translation insight: Ancient Egyptian texts remain crucial for understanding pharaonic culture. Professional content and document translation services can bridge the gap between ancient inscriptions and modern understanding.

3. Akkadian (c. 2600–2500 BCE)

Akkadian emerged in Mesopotamia around 2600 BCE and eventually became the lingua franca of the ancient Near East. As an East Semitic language, Akkadian is the earliest documented member of the Semitic language family.

The language is split into two major dialects: Assyrian (northern Mesopotamia) and Babylonian (southern Mesopotamia). At its peak during the second millennium BCE, Akkadian was used for international diplomacy, trade, and scholarship across a vast region stretching from the Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf.

The Akkadian gradually declined as Aramaic spread throughout the region. Still, it remained in use for scholarly purposes until the 1st century CE.

Cultural impact: Understanding Akkadian is essential for studying ancient Mesopotamian law, literature, and science. Businesses involved in archaeological projects or historical research may require specialised translation services for Akkadian texts.

4. Eblaite (c. 2400 BCE)

Eblaite is closely related to Akkadian and was spoken in the ancient city of Ebla in modern-day Syria. Discovered through approximately 15,000 clay tablets, Eblaite provides valuable insights into early Semitic languages.

Some scholars consider Eblaite a dialect of Akkadian, whilst others argue it is a distinct sister language. Regardless, it represents an essential branch of the East Semitic language group.

The Eblaite tablets, dating from around 2400 BCE, contain administrative records, lexical lists, and literary texts that illuminate early Syrian civilisation.

5. Elamite (c. 2300 BCE)

Elamite was spoken in the ancient kingdom of Elam, located in what is now southwestern Iran. Like Sumerian, Elamite is a language isolate with no known relatives.

The language was written in a cuneiform script adapted from Akkadian and contained approximately 130 symbols. The Elamites remained influential in the region until the rise of the First Persian Empire in the 5th century BCE.

The Elamite kingdom was the most powerful state east of Mesopotamia for many centuries, making its language crucial for understanding ancient Iranian history.

6. Sanskrit (c. 1500 BCE)

Sanskrit is one of the oldest members of the Indo-European language family. It holds a special place as the liturgical language of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The earliest form, Vedic Sanskrit, appears in the Rigveda, a collection of hymns dating to around 1500 BCE.

What makes Sanskrit remarkable is that, unlike most ancient languages, it remains alive today. According to India’s 2011 census, approximately 25,000 people speak Sanskrit as a native language. Organisations like Samskrita Bharati work actively to revive the language and promote its study.

Sanskrit’s precise grammar, codified by the scholar Panini around the 4th century BCE, has influenced modern linguistic theory. Its vast literature includes philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and poetry.

Modern applications: Sanskrit words appear in yoga studios, meditation centres, and spiritual texts worldwide. For businesses in wellness, education, or cultural sectors, multilingual content solutions that include Sanskrit can enhance authenticity and reach.

7. Chinese (c. 1250 BCE)

When asking “what is the oldest language in the world still widely spoken?” Chinese is a strong contender. The earliest attested Old Chinese appears in oracle bone inscriptions from the Shang Dynasty, dating to around 1250 BCE.

Chinese is not a single language but a family of related varieties, including Mandarin, Cantonese, Wu, and others. These varieties descend from Old Chinese and belong to the Sino-Tibetan language family.

Today, Mandarin Chinese is the most spoken language in the world, with over 1.1 billion speakers. The language’s continuous evolution over more than 3,000 years demonstrates remarkable linguistic resilience.

Business relevance: China’s economic importance makes Chinese translation crucial for international business. Website localisation and China digital marketing services help companies navigate the world’s largest consumer market effectively.

8. Aramaic (c. 1100 BCE)

Aramaic first appears in written form around 1100 BCE in ancient Syria. As a Northwest Semitic language, Aramaic became one of the most influential languages of the ancient world.

The Aramaic alphabet served as the basis for both the Hebrew and Arabic scripts. During the Neo-Assyrian and Achaemenid empires, Aramaic served as the official language of administration and diplomacy across vast territories.

Remarkably, Aramaic has survived to the present day. Between 800,000 and 1 million people speak Neo-Aramaic dialects across the Middle East, primarily in Iraq, Syria, Iran, and Turkey. These communities include Christians, Jews, and Mandaeans who have preserved the language for religious and cultural purposes.

Aramaic is also significant because it was likely the language Jesus of Nazareth spoke.

Cultural preservation: Modern Aramaic-speaking communities face challenges in preserving their linguistic heritage. Translation and interpretation services play a vital role in documenting and maintaining these endangered language variants.

9. Hebrew (c. 1000 BCE)

Hebrew first appears in written form around 1000 BCE, with early inscriptions like the Gezer Calendar. As a Canaanite language, Hebrew is closely related to Phoenician and Aramaic.

Hebrew has a unique history amongst ancient languages. After the 2nd century CE, it largely ceased to be a spoken language, continuing primarily in religious texts and scholarly correspondence. However, in the 19th and 20th centuries, Hebrew underwent a remarkable revival.

Today, over 9 million people speak Modern Hebrew, with approximately 5 million native speakers in Israel. This makes Hebrew one of the few ancient languages successfully revived in human history.

Modern Hebrew: The revival of Hebrew demonstrates that ancient languages can adapt to contemporary needs. Businesses working in Israel or with Jewish communities worldwide benefit from professional Hebrew translation services that bridge ancient and modern forms of the language.

10. Greek (c. 1450 BCE)

Greek has the most extended documented history of any living Indo-European language. Mycenaean Greek, the earliest attested form, appears in Linear B tablets from around 1450 BCE.

Greek evolved through several distinct periods: Mycenaean, Ancient (including Classical and Hellenistic), Medieval (Byzantine), and Modern. Despite these changes, Modern Greek speakers can still understand texts written in Ancient Greek, though with some difficulty.

Today, approximately 13.5 million people speak Greek, primarily in Greece and Cyprus. The language’s continuous use for over 3,400 years makes it the oldest surviving spoken language with an unbroken tradition.

Cultural legacy: The Greeks gave the world philosophy, democracy, theatre, and scientific terminology. Many English words derive from Greek roots, particularly in medicine, science, and academia. Technical translation services often require knowledge of Greek-derived terminology.

11. Tamil (c. 300 BCE)

Tamil holds a special place amongst ancient languages. Whilst its written records date to around 300 BCE, linguistic evidence suggests Tamil descended from Proto-Dravidian, possibly spoken as early as 2500 BCE.

Old Tamil is attested in inscriptions written in the Tamil-Brahmi script. The earliest Tamil literature, known as Sangam literature, dates to between 300 BCE and 300 CE. This body of work includes poetry and grammatical texts like the Tolkappiyam.

What makes Tamil extraordinary is its continuous use. Unlike languages that fell out of spoken use or underwent dramatic changes, Tamil has been continuously spoken and written for over 2,000 years. Today, approximately 75 million people speak Tamil, primarily in Tamil Nadu (India), Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Malaysia.

UNESCO recognises Tamil as a classical language, acknowledging its ancient origins and rich literary tradition.

Regional importance: Tamil is crucial for businesses operating in South India and Southeast Asia. Localisation services that include Tamil help companies connect authentically with millions of Tamil-speaking consumers.

12. Persian/Farsi (c. 525 BCE)

Persian, known today as Farsi, traces its roots to Old Persian, which appears in inscriptions from around 525 BCE. The language evolved through three main periods: Old Persian (525–300 BCE), Middle Persian (300 BCE–800 CE), and Modern Persian (800 CE–present).

Old Persian was the language of the Achaemenid Empire, one of the ancient world’s largest empires. Modern Persian, descended from Middle Persian (also called Pahlavi), remains remarkably conservative, retaining many ancient grammatical features.

Today, approximately 110 million people speak Persian varieties, including Farsi in Iran, Dari in Afghanistan, and Tajik in Tajikistan. Persian literature, including the works of poets like Rumi and Hafez, has influenced world culture for centuries.

Business applications: Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan represent significant markets. Business localisation services that include Persian help companies navigate these diverse regions effectively.

13. Basque (1st century BCE)

Basque is the oldest language in Europe. Unlike every other language in Western Europe, Basque is not Indo-European. It is a language isolate with no known relatives.

Linguistic evidence suggests that Basque, or an ancestor language, was spoken in the region long before Indo-European languages arrived, possibly thousands of years earlier. However, the earliest written evidence, the Hand of Irulegi inscription, dates to the 1st century BCE.

Today, approximately 750,000 people speak Basque (Euskara) in the Basque Country, spanning parts of northern Spain and southwestern France. The language has survived Roman occupation, Germanic invasions, and centuries of pressure from the Spanish and the French.

Cultural preservation: The Basque represents a direct link to pre-Indo-European Europe. For companies working in the Basque region, cultural and linguistic localisation demonstrates respect for this unique heritage.

14. Latin (c. 700 BCE)

Latin emerged in the Latium region of central Italy around 700 BCE. The oldest known Latin inscription, on a fibula (cloak pin), dates to approximately the 7th century BCE.

As Rome expanded, Latin spread throughout the Mediterranean world and Western Europe. Classical Latin, the standardised literary form, flourished during the 1st century BCE, with writers such as Cicero and Virgil.

Whilst Latin is often called a “dead language,” it never truly died. Latin evolved into the Romance languages: Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Romanian, and others. Additionally, Latin remained the language of scholarship, law, and the Catholic Church throughout the Middle Ages and into modern times.

Modern influence: Latin forms the basis of much English vocabulary, particularly in law, medicine, and science. Understanding Latin roots helps with technical translation and content creation in specialised fields.

15. Korean (c. 1st century BCE–1st century CE)

Korean belongs to the Koreanic language family. Whilst its origins remain debated, Old Korean clearly existed by the Silla period (57 BCE–935 CE).

The earliest Korean writing used Hanja (Chinese characters) adapted to represent Korean sounds and meanings. This system, called Idu, Hyangchal, and Gugyeol, was complex and accessible only to educated elites.

In 1443, King Sejong the Great revolutionised Korean literacy by creating Hangul, a phonetic alphabet designed for ease of learning. Today, Korean is spoken by at least 77 million people in North and South Korea and Korean diaspora communities worldwide.

Digital presence: Korean pop culture, technology, and entertainment have a global influence. Website and app localisation services that help businesses tap into this dynamic market.

16. Old Javanese (c. 743–804 CE)

Old Javanese (Kawi) is the oldest attested phase of the Javanese language and the oldest written Malayo-Polynesian language. The earliest inscription, the Kesongo inscription, dates to 743 CE, with another significant inscription, the Sukabumi inscription, dated to 804 CE.

Old Javanese texts provide insight into ancient Javanese kingdoms and Hindu-Buddhist culture in maritime Southeast Asia. The language absorbed significant Sanskrit influence, with approximately 25-40% of vocabulary derived from Sanskrit.

Whilst Old Javanese evolved into Middle and Modern Javanese, it remained influential as a literary language across Java, Bali, Madura, and Lombok for centuries.

Regional significance: Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest economy. Translation services for Indonesian and related languages help businesses navigate this diverse archipelago.

17. Lithuanian (c. 1500 CE attested, archaic features preserved)

Lithuanian deserves mention despite its relatively late written attestation (around 1500 CE) because it preserves features of Proto-Indo-European more faithfully than almost any other living language.

Linguists value Lithuanian for its role in reconstructing Proto-Indo-European, the ancestral language of most European and many Asian languages. Lithuanian’s conservative grammar, phonology, and vocabulary provide a “window” into how ancient Indo-European languages functioned.

Approximately 3 million people speak Lithuanian today, primarily in Lithuania and diaspora communities.

Linguistic importance: Lithuanian’s archaic features make it valuable for historical linguistics. Businesses requiring precise translation in Baltic languages benefit from linguists who understand these unique characteristics.

18. Georgian (5th century CE)

Georgian, or Kartuli, is the official language of Georgia and the most widely spoken member of the Kartvelian language family. The earliest Georgian inscriptions date to the 5th century CE.

Georgian has its own unique alphabet, which evolved through three scripts: Asomtavruli (5th century), Nuskhuri, and Mkhedruli (modern script). The language has a rich literary tradition, including the 12th-century epic poem “The Knight in the Panther’s Skin.”

Today, approximately 4 million people speak Georgian. The language is unrelated to Indo-European, Turkic, or Semitic languages, making it linguistically unique.

Cultural context: Georgia’s location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes it strategically important. Business localisation services that include Georgian help companies engage with this growing market.

19. Irish/Gaelic (4th–5th century CE)

Irish, also called Irish Gaelic, is the oldest written vernacular language in Europe north of the Alps. The earliest Irish appears in Ogham inscriptions from the 4th and 5th centuries CE.

Old Irish, written in the Roman alphabet from the 7th century onwards, has a substantial manuscript tradition. Irish evolved through several stages: Primitive Irish, Old Irish, Middle Irish, Early Modern Irish, and Modern Irish.

Today, Irish is an official language of Ireland, with approximately 1.9 million speakers, though fewer than 100,000 use it daily. Irish Gaelic communities (Gaeltacht) preserve the language in rural areas.

Cultural heritage: Irish represents an important Celtic language. For businesses working with Irish markets or communities, culturally sensitive translation demonstrates respect for linguistic heritage.

20. Arabic (1st century CE)

Arabic appears in written form by the 1st century CE. As a Central Semitic language, Arabic is related to Hebrew and Aramaic. Old Arabic inscriptions provide evidence of the language’s early development.

Classical Arabic, the language of the Quran (7th century CE), became the standard for religious, scholarly, and literary purposes. Today, Arabic has numerous dialects across the Arab world. Still, Modern Standard Arabic serves as the common written and formal spoken language.

Arabic is spoken by over 400 million people across the Middle East and North Africa, making it one of the world’s major languages. The Arabic script has been adapted for many other languages, including Persian, Urdu, and historically, Turkish and Malay.

Global reach: Arabic-speaking markets represent enormous economic opportunities. Translation and localisation services, including Arabic, help businesses communicate effectively across diverse Arab countries and cultures.

Why Ancient Languages Matter Today

Understanding the world’s oldest languages isn’t just an academic exercise. These languages provide insights into human civilisation, culture, and cognition that remain relevant today:

• Cultural heritage: Ancient languages preserve the wisdom, literature, and worldviews of past civilisations. They connect modern people to their ancestors and cultural roots.
• Linguistic diversity: Each language represents a unique way of organising and expressing human experience. When languages die, we lose irreplaceable perspectives on human cognition.
• Business opportunities: Many ancient languages have millions of modern speakers. Companies that invest in professional translation services for languages like Chinese, Arabic, Tamil, and Greek can access vast markets.
• Scientific research: Ancient languages contribute to fields like archaeology, history, anthropology, and linguistics. Understanding them helps scholars piece together human history.
• Legal and administrative purposes: Many legal systems, scientific terms, and administrative processes draw on ancient languages, particularly Latin and Greek.

The Role of Translation in Preserving Linguistic Heritage

As the world becomes more interconnected, translation and localisation services play a crucial role in preserving and promoting ancient and endangered languages.

Professional translators do more than convert words from one language to another. They:

• Preserve cultural nuances: Understanding historical context, idioms, and cultural references ensures accurate translation.
• Bridge ancient and modern: Translators help modern audiences access ancient texts and vice versa.
• Support multilingual businesses: Companies operating globally need website localisation, app localisation, and marketing materials in multiple languages.
• Enable cross-cultural communication: Interpretation services facilitate real-time communication across language barriers.

At Elite Asia, we understand that language is more than words; it’s culture, history, and identity. Our team of expert linguists provides comprehensive translation and localisation solutions for businesses operating across Asia and beyond.

How Businesses Benefit from Multilingual Services

Whether you’re expanding into new markets or serving diverse communities, multilingual communication offers significant advantages:

Market Expansion

Reaching customers in their native language builds trust and engagement. Website localisation services help you connect with audiences worldwide, whilst SEO optimisation ensures your content reaches the right people.

Cultural Competence

Understanding cultural nuances prevents miscommunication and builds stronger relationships. Our transcreation services adapt your message to resonate with local audiences whilst maintaining your brand voice.

Competitive Advantage

Companies that invest in quality translation gain an edge over competitors who rely solely on machine translation. Our hybrid translation solutions combine AI efficiency with human expertise for optimal results.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

International business requires accurate, certified translation of legal documents, contracts, and compliance materials. Our expert translators ensure precision in specialised fields like medical translation and technical documentation.

The Future of Ancient Languages

As we move deeper into the 21st century, ancient languages face both challenges and opportunities:

Challenges:

• Globalisation and urbanisation pressure minority language speakers to adopt dominant languages
• Younger generations may not learn ancestral languages
• Limited educational resources for less commonly taught languages

Opportunities:

• Digital technology enables language preservation through apps, online courses, and databases
• Social media connects diaspora communities and language learners globally
• Growing cultural awareness promotes multilingualism and heritage language maintenance
• AI translation tools make ancient texts more accessible

Conclusion: Celebrating Linguistic Diversity

The 20 oldest languages in the world represent humanity’s remarkable linguistic journey. From Sumerian cuneiform tablets to modern Chinese social media, these languages have adapted, evolved, and survived across millennia.

Some ancient languages, like Sanskrit and Hebrew, have been successfully revived. Others, like Tamil and Greek, have maintained continuous traditions for thousands of years. Still others, like Sumerian and Latin, live on through their descendants and influence.

For businesses operating in our globalised world, understanding linguistic diversity isn’t optional; it’s essential. Whether you need website localisation, document translation, subtitling services, or content creation in multiple languages, partnering with experienced language service providers ensures your message resonates across cultures.

At Elite Asia, we’re passionate about breaking down language barriers and fostering cross-cultural understanding. Our comprehensive translation and interpretation services cover major Asian languages and global markets, helping businesses communicate effectively wherever their journey takes them.

Ready to Connect With Global Audiences?

Whether you’re exploring ancient languages or expanding into new markets, Elite Asia is here to help. Our expert linguists combine deep cultural knowledge with cutting-edge technology to deliver translation solutions that drive results.

From marketing localisation to technical translation, from social media content to desktop publishing, we provide end-to-end language services tailored to your needs.

Request your free quotation today and discover how professional translation services can transform your global communication strategy.

About Elite Asia: Elite Asia is a leading translation and interpretation service provider based in Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. With over a decade of experience, we help businesses communicate effectively across cultures and languages. Our services include business localisation, marketing localisation, and hybrid translation solutions powered by AI and human expertise.

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