* Ancient: They are no longer spoken as everyday languages, but have a rich literary tradition.
* Influential: They have significantly influenced other languages and cultures.
* Prestigious: They are often associated with high culture, education, and scholarly pursuits.
Here are some languages commonly considered classical languages:
Ancient Greek: The language of ancient Greece, with a vast literary corpus and significant influence on Western culture, philosophy, science, and art.
Latin: The language of ancient Rome, with a similar impact as Ancient Greek, influencing many Romance languages and legal systems.
Sanskrit: The classical language of ancient India, used in Hindu scriptures, literature, and philosophy, and influential in many South Asian languages.
Classical Arabic: The language of the Quran and the Islamic Golden Age, with a rich literary tradition and widespread use in the Muslim world.
Hebrew: The language of the Hebrew Bible and ancient Israel, revived in the 19th century and now spoken by millions.
Classical Chinese: The written language of ancient China, with a long history and influence on East Asian cultures.
Ancient Egyptian: The language of the ancient Egyptian civilization, written using hieroglyphs and with a unique grammar and vocabulary.
Akkadian: An ancient Semitic language spoken in Mesopotamia, used in cuneiform writing and influencing later languages.
Avestan: The sacred language of Zoroastrianism, with a rich literature and connection to ancient Persia.
Old Church Slavonic: The liturgical language of the Eastern Orthodox Church, with a strong influence on Slavic languages.
Other languages sometimes considered classical include:
* Gothic: An ancient Germanic language with a rich literary tradition.
* Old English: The ancestor of modern English, with a unique literary tradition.
* Old Norse: The language of the Vikings, with a strong influence on Scandinavian languages.
It's important to note that some languages may be considered classical in some contexts but not in others. The concept of "classical language" is not always clear-cut.