Here's a breakdown:
Direct descendants of Ancient Greek:
* Modern Greek: This is the direct descendant of Ancient Greek, spoken by around 13 million people today. It evolved gradually over centuries and is still considered a relatively conservative language, retaining many features of its ancestor.
Languages influenced by Greek:
* Latin: While not directly descended, Latin borrowed numerous words and grammatical structures from Greek, particularly during the Roman Republic and Empire. This influence is evident in many Romance languages (Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, etc.) that descend from Latin.
* Other Indo-European languages: Many Indo-European languages, including English, German, French, Russian, and Hindi, have adopted Greek words into their vocabulary. These often relate to philosophy, science, art, and literature.
* Koine Greek: This was a simplified form of Ancient Greek that became the common language of the Eastern Mediterranean during the Hellenistic period. It played a crucial role in spreading Greek influence and its impact can be seen in various languages, including Coptic (ancient Egyptian), Armenian, and Albanian.
* Medieval and Modern Greek: Both had an impact on the development of languages in the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean, including Bulgarian, Serbian, Romanian, and Turkish.
It's important to note:
* "Based on" is a complex concept in linguistics. It's not simply about borrowing words. It can involve grammatical structures, sound systems, and overall linguistic influence.
* Greek has had a significant impact on many languages, but its relationship to them is not always direct or easily defined.
Hopefully, this gives you a better understanding of the impact of the Greek language on the world.