* Language Evolution: Languages are constantly changing and evolving. They branch off from each other over time, making it difficult to trace a single "ancestor" language.
* Limited Evidence: We have very limited evidence for languages spoken thousands of years ago. Most of our knowledge comes from written records, which are relatively recent in human history.
* Multiple "Ancient" Languages: There are several languages with deep roots, making it difficult to compare them directly.
However, some languages are often considered to be among the oldest:
* Tamil: One of the oldest living Dravidian languages, spoken in southern India and Sri Lanka. It has a rich literary tradition dating back to at least the 3rd century BCE.
* Sanskrit: An ancient Indo-Aryan language with a significant influence on Hinduism and Buddhism. It's believed to have been spoken from around 2000 BCE.
* Hebrew: A Semitic language with a long history, dating back to at least the 10th century BCE.
It's important to remember that even these languages have changed significantly over the centuries. They have undergone shifts in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary.
Instead of seeking a single "oldest" language, it's more accurate to appreciate the incredible diversity and history of human languages, each with its own unique story.