How old is the Aramaic language?

Aramaic is an ancient Semitic language that has been spoken for over 3,000 years.

Here's a breakdown:

* Origins: Aramaic emerged around the 11th century BC in the region of Aram, which is now part of Syria and Turkey.

* Spread: It gained prominence as the language of administration under the Assyrian and Babylonian empires. By the 6th century BC, it had become the lingua franca of the Middle East, replacing Akkadian.

* Modern Forms: Though the original language of Aramaic is no longer spoken, various dialects of Aramaic continue to be spoken in communities around the world, especially in the Middle East.

So while the oldest documented form of Aramaic dates back to around the 10th century BC, the language itself has a history spanning over 3,000 years.