* It's a language isolate: Basque is not related to any other known language in the world. This makes it incredibly unique and difficult to trace its origins.
* Pre-Indo-European: It's widely believed to have been spoken in the Iberian Peninsula before the arrival of Indo-European languages (around 3,000 years ago).
* Estimated age: Estimates vary, but some scholars suggest the Basque language could be anywhere between 5,000 and 10,000 years old. This would make it one of the oldest languages still spoken in Europe.
Here's why it's so difficult to pin down:
* Lack of written records: Early Basque had no written form, so there are no direct linguistic records to study.
* Complex linguistic features: The language has unique grammar and vocabulary that doesn't fit into any established linguistic families.
* Possible connections: While not related to other languages, there have been some theories suggesting potential links to extinct languages like Aquitanian or Iberian, but these are not widely accepted.
In conclusion, the origin of the Basque language is a mystery that continues to fascinate researchers. While we don't have a precise date, its pre-Indo-European origins and isolation make it a truly unique and ancient language.