The Ancient Egyptian Language is one of the oldest surviving languages in the world, dating back to around 3400 BC. It belongs to the Afro-Asiatic language family and has connections to Berber, Arabic, Amharic, and Hebrew.
Over time, the language evolved into different forms, including Archaic Egyptian, Old Egyptian, Middle Egyptian, Late Egyptian, Demotic, and Coptic.
Archaic Egyptian was the language of the early dynasties and was written in hieroglyphs. Some of the earliest examples of Egyptian hieroglyphs can be found on pottery from Nakada II.
Old Egyptian was the language used for the Pyramid Texts, which are the oldest known religious writings in the world. It became the official language during the Old Kingdom and the First Intermediate Period. Old Egyptian is known for its triple ideographic, phonetic, and plural determinants.
Middle Egyptian is often referred to as Classical Egyptian. During this period, various text scripts were created in hieroglyphic and hieratic scripts. Middle Egyptian was used for a wide range of texts, including obituary texts, medical and scientific writings, poetry, and descriptions of Egyptian gods and pharaohs. It was widely spoken, and regional accents started to emerge.
Late Egyptian emerged during Egypt’s New Kingdom and marked the height of pre-dynastic Egyptian culture. It featured classicisms and numerous religious and secular texts. Late Egypt showcased significant differences compared to earlier stages, offering a valuable glimpse into spoken language. During this period, the hieroglyphic script also expanded.
Demotic emerged during the late Ptolemaic dynasty and continued in use for almost a millennium. The term “Demotic” comes from the Hieratic script employed in the northern Delta region.
Coptic is the final stage of the Ancient Egyptian Language and is its last direct descendant. It was influenced by the Greek alphabet and became the official language of Egypt from 200 AD to 1100 AD. Remarkably, Coptic survived into the 17th century and played a role in the Renaissance, thanks to those who learned from native speakers. Today, it is used as a liturgical language in the Coptic Orthodox Church.
The Ancient Egyptian Language has a rich and fascinating history. It is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the ancient Egyptians, and it continues to be studied and celebrated by people all over the world.
