* Language Evolution is Complex: Languages change over time, with new words, grammar rules, and pronunciations emerging. It's hard to pinpoint a specific point in time when a language "began."
* Emergence vs. Documentation: Some languages might have existed for a long time without written documentation, making it difficult to track their origins.
* Creoles and Pidgins: Languages often evolve from contact between different languages. Creoles and pidgins are examples of languages that arise relatively quickly through the merging of different linguistic systems.
However, some languages often considered relatively young include:
* Tok Pisin: This creole language developed in Papua New Guinea in the early 20th century, based mainly on English. It's widely spoken in Papua New Guinea.
* Sranan Tongo: This creole language in Suriname evolved in the 17th and 18th centuries, blending English, Dutch, Portuguese, and African languages.
* Bislama: This creole language in Vanuatu developed in the 19th century from English, French, and other local languages.
It's important to remember that even these languages have roots in older languages, and their emergence is a gradual process.