Here's a breakdown of how we understand their origins:
* Proto-Celtic: The common ancestor of all Celtic languages, Proto-Celtic, is believed to have emerged in Central Europe, likely in the area of the modern Czech Republic and Austria.
* Migration and Expansion: Over time, Celtic speakers migrated west and south, spreading their languages across Europe.
* Branching Out: During this migration, the Proto-Celtic language diversified into distinct branches, ultimately leading to the various Celtic languages we know today.
Today, Celtic languages are spoken in:
* Insular Celtic: Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Brittany (France)
* Continental Celtic: Gaelic (spoken by small communities in Spain and France)
It's important to note that the Celtic languages are not a single language but a group of related languages with their own unique histories and development.