* Language Evolution: Languages are constantly evolving. They change over time through natural processes like borrowing words, changing pronunciation, and adapting to new situations. It's difficult to pinpoint a precise "birth" date for any language.
* Early Records: While we have ancient inscriptions and texts in all three languages, they don't necessarily represent the absolute beginnings of those languages. There might have been earlier forms that haven't survived.
* Shared Ancestry: Telugu, Kannada, and Tamil are all part of the Dravidian language family. They likely evolved from a common ancestor language, which is now extinct.
What we can say:
* Ancient Roots: All three languages have a very long history, with written records dating back over 2,000 years.
* Tamil: Tamil has the oldest known written records among the three, dating back to the 3rd century BCE.
* Kannada: Kannada literature dates back to the 5th century CE.
* Telugu: The earliest Telugu inscriptions are from the 6th century CE.
Instead of focusing on "oldest," it's more accurate to say:
* All three languages are ancient and rich in history.
* They have unique features and a fascinating linguistic heritage.
Remember: Language is a dynamic and constantly evolving system. There isn't always a clear-cut answer to questions about "oldest."