It is difficult to determine the exact oldest language as it is widely accepted that human language is believed to have evolved over a period of time, with various linguistic predecessors contributing to the development of modern languages.
However, based on the archaeological evidence available, some experts suggest that the oldest language is likely to be Sumerian, which was spoken in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) around 4000 BC. Sumerian is known to be the first written language, consisting of pictographic symbols pressed into clay tablets with a stylus. These symbols evolved into wedge-shaped cuneiform characters that represent syllables, making Sumerian the earliest known phonetic language.
Another contender for the oldest language is Tamil, which is spoken in southern India and parts of Sri Lanka. Tamil is believed to have existed as a spoken language for at least 5,000 years and has the distinction of being one of the few languages in the world that has a continuous literary record dating back over 2,000 years.
Other ancient languages include Ancient Egyptian, which dates back to around 2500 BC, and Sanskrit, which was spoken in ancient India around 1500 BC and is considered the sacred language of Hinduism.
While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact oldest language, Sumerian, Tamil, Ancient Egyptian, and Sanskrit are all considered contenders for the title.
What is the 7 38 55 rule?
The 7 38 55 rule is a communication theory that suggests that communication is only 7% verbal, 38% vocal, and 55% nonverbal. This means that a huge chunk of communication is nonverbal and is conveyed through facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, and other nonverbal cues.
The 7% verbal component is the actual words spoken, while the 38% vocal component refers to the tone, pitch, and inflection used when speaking. The remaining 55% nonverbal component is the body language and other nonverbal cues that we use to convey our emotions, intentions, and feelings.
Understanding the importance of nonverbal communication is crucial in effective communication, as it can enhance or undermine the message being delivered. Nonverbal cues can provide context to the words spoken and can help us understand the true meaning behind someone’s words. A simple change in facial expression or posture can completely alter the meaning of a message.
The 7 38 55 rule can also be useful when interpreting someone’s communication. For example, if someone tells you that they are happy, but their nonverbal cues suggest otherwise, you may want to probe further to understand what they are really feeling.
The 7 38 55 rule serves as a reminder that communication involves much more than just words. By paying attention to the nonverbal cues in communication, we can become much better communicating our own messages as well as interpreting the messages of others.