Here's what we know and don't know:
What We Don't Know:
* No written language: No Pictish language texts survive, and while they likely had their own language, we don't know if it was written or spoken.
* Limited evidence: We only have a few Pictish inscriptions, mostly place names and personal names, which offer limited insight into their language.
Theories about the Pictish Language:
* Celtic: Many scholars believe the Pictish language was a Celtic language, possibly related to Brittonic languages like Welsh or Gaulish. This is based on:
* Place names: Some Pictish place names seem to have Celtic roots.
* Linguistic proximity: The Picts lived near Celtic-speaking groups.
* Cultural connections: Archaeological evidence suggests cultural connections with Celtic groups.
* Non-Indo-European: Some scholars believe the Pictish language was a non-Indo-European language, potentially related to Basque or Etruscan. This is based on:
* Limited linguistic connections: Pictish inscriptions seem to lack clear links to Indo-European languages.
* Possible isolation: The Picts' geographic location might have led to linguistic isolation.
Challenges in Understanding:
* Limited evidence: The few existing Pictish inscriptions are often fragmented and unclear.
* Multiple theories: The lack of conclusive evidence leads to multiple theories, making it difficult to pinpoint the language's origins.
The Ongoing Search:
Researchers continue to analyze Pictish inscriptions and archaeological findings, hoping to gain more insight into the language spoken by the Picts. The mystery of the Pictish language remains a fascinating area of study.