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Ask-A-Linguist - Message details
Subject: Age of languages
Question:
Steven Roger Fischer in A History of Language states that ''No language on Earth is older than any other: every currently spoken natural - that is neither revived nor invented - tongue shares exactly the same age''. Can anyone elucidate or expand on this statement?

Reply:
There is a FAQ on this topic available at

http://linguistlist.org/ask-ling/oldest.html

that complements Prof. Fidelholtz's thoughtful discussion of the age of human language. The FAQ addresses the popular misconception that some modern spoken languages are older than others.

Reply From: Herbert Frederic Stahlke    click here to access email
Date: Aug-01-2009
Other Replies:
  1. Re: Age of languages Joseph F Foster    (Aug-02-2009)
  2. Re: Age of languages James L Fidelholtz    (Jul-31-2009)
  3. Re: Age of languages Geoffrey Richard Sampson    (Aug-01-2009)
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Page Updated: 29-Nov-2009

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