Linguistic diversity is a human treasure that connects us with our ancestors. In this article, we pay tribute to some of the oldest and most endangered languages. Would you like to find out more?
A cultural heritage that deserves protecting
Each language represents a unique way of thinking, communicating and understanding the world. Every time one of them disappears, so does all the ancestral knowledge associated with it, including lifestyles, belief systems and artistic expression. Its very existence enriches creativity and artistic expression.
Consequently, every language is a cultural treasure that connects us with our past and enriches us as a global society.
The oldest language in the world
Sumerian, with a fascinating history dating back over 5000 years, is considered the oldest language in the world. Originating from ancient Mesopotamia, it was used by one of humanity’s first civilizations: Sumer.
It is an agglutinative language as words are formed by combining roots and suffixes. It uses cuneiform, one of the first known writing systems, which is based on small marks made on clay tablets. Although it has not been spoken in thousands of years, its influence has endured over time and has left an invaluable cultural and linguistic legacy. By studying and understanding its history, we can better understand the development of language and the importance of protecting every language as key elements in our cultural heritage.
Other ancient languages
Below are some of the most notable ancient languages:
- Arabic. Dates back to 328 A.D.
- Basque. Existed before Latin arrived in Spain.
- Chinese. Although the ancient version has disappeared, Mandarin and Cantonese derive from it.
- Latin. The oldest written records of this language date back to 7 B.C.
- Greek, Persian, Sanskrit, Lithuanian, Tamil, Hebrew, etc.
Languages that may soon disappear
There are many endangered languages today. The major reasons for this are globalization, migration, domination of larger languages and lack of intergenerational transmission.
Losing any of these languages would be a tragedy, as it would mean saying goodbye to ancestral knowledge, oral traditions and unique perspectives on the environment.
Languages that are officially dead cannot be recovered. This is the case with Etruscan, Celtiberian, Mozarabic, Guanche, Coptic, Tagish and Aramaic, among others. To avoid adding to this tragic family, it is essential that we take measures to protect endangered languages. We urgently need to recognize their importance and promote their revitalization through educational programs and inclusive linguistic programs.
List of endangered languages
The starting point is to identify which languages are most endangered:
- Aini, Japan.
- Yuchi, Oklahoma, United States.
- Tsonga, South Africa.
- Iquito, Peru.
- Chemehuevi, Arizona, United States.
- Yuchi, Oklahoma, United States.
- Kawésqar, Southern Chile.
- Hupa, California, United States.
- Tinigua, Yari river basin, Colombia.
- Karuk, California, United States.
- Tanema, Solomon Islands.
- Resígaro, Amazon, Peru.
- Tariana, Amazon, Brazil.
- Washoe, California, United States.
- Minderico, Minde, Portugal.
- Chinook, Alaska and the Northeast Pacific.
- Ngan’gikurunggurr, Daly River, Australia.
- Galawa or Waliburu, Northern Territory, Australia.
We desperately need new speakers and translators of these endangered languages to ensure their survival. Our role at Blarlo, as world leaders in translation, inspires good work in this area. If you are looking for excellent linguistic services in various languages, call us now.
