* Origins of Languages are Complex: Languages evolve over time, with influences from other languages and dialects. Tracing the exact point of origin is extremely difficult.
* Limited Archaeological Evidence: While we can find evidence of early Celtic cultures, it doesn't directly translate to knowing when a specific language like Welsh emerged.
* "Welsh" is a Continuum: The language we know as Welsh today has evolved through various stages, making it hard to say when it became distinct from other Celtic languages.
What We DO Know:
* Celtic Origins: Welsh belongs to the Insular Celtic branch, which also includes languages like Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and Breton. These languages likely originated from a common ancestor, possibly spoken in mainland Europe.
* Roman Period Influence: Roman occupation of Britain (43 AD to 410 AD) likely influenced the development of Welsh, as did contact with other languages spoken in the region.
* Early Documentation: The earliest known written examples of Welsh date back to the 6th century AD, but these are likely not representative of the earliest forms of the language.
In Conclusion:
While we can't give a specific date for the origin of Welsh, it's clear that it has a long and rich history, evolving over centuries from its Celtic roots.