What is the oldest written language?

The oldest written language is a matter of debate, as different systems emerged independently at around the same time. However, two strong contenders are:

* Sumerian cuneiform: This system, used in ancient Mesopotamia, dates back to around 3200 BCE. It was a complex system of wedge-shaped marks pressed into clay tablets.

* Egyptian hieroglyphs: This system, used in ancient Egypt, also dates back to around 3200 BCE. It used pictograms and other symbols to represent words and sounds.

While both systems are incredibly old, it's important to note:

* Evidence for Sumerian cuneiform is slightly older: Some scholars argue that the earliest cuneiform examples predate hieroglyphs by a few decades.

* Both systems developed independently: The two systems were not related and developed in different parts of the world.

Ultimately, it's difficult to declare a definitive winner in the race for the oldest written language. Both Sumerian cuneiform and Egyptian hieroglyphs hold the title of being some of the oldest written systems in the world.