As a linguistic expert, I often get asked about the origins of language and which language can be considered the oldest. The question of the oldest language is complex and multifaceted, as it depends on how one defines "oldest." If we consider the oldest language in terms of continuous use and development, then the answer might be different from if we were to consider the oldest language based on archaeological evidence or the oldest written language.
The Sanskrit language, as you mentioned, is indeed one of the oldest languages in the world. It is the primary liturgical language of Hinduism and a philosophical language in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The oldest text in Sanskrit is the Rigveda, which dates back to around 1700–1100 BCE. However, Sanskrit, while still used in religious and scholarly contexts, is not commonly spoken today.
On the other hand, Tamil is an ancient language that has been continuously spoken and developed to the present day. It is the official language of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry. Tamil has a rich literary tradition that spans over 2,000 years, with the earliest surviving works dating back to the early centuries CE. The Tolkāppiyam, an ancient work on poetics, is one of the earliest extant works of Tamil literature. The Sangam literature, which is a collection of poems and prose, is another significant part of Tamil's ancient heritage.
Determining the "oldest" language is not just about the age of the language but also about its continuity and evolution. While many ancient languages have become extinct or are only used in specific contexts, Tamil has managed to maintain its relevance and has grown into a widely spoken language. According to the data available as of 2018, it is the 20th most commonly-spoken language in the world.
It's important to note that the concept of the "oldest" language is subjective and can vary based on the criteria used to define it. Some might argue for the significance of Sumerian or Egyptian as some of the earliest written languages, with evidence of their scripts dating back to around 3200 BCE and 3400 BCE, respectively. However, these languages are no longer in use today.
In conclusion, while there are many ancient languages that have contributed to the tapestry of human linguistic history, when considering continuous use, development, and modern relevance, Tamil stands out as one of the oldest languages that is still widely spoken and evolving today.

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Unlike Sanskrit, another ancient Indian language that fell out of common usage around 600 BCE and became mostly a liturgical language, Tamil has continued to develop and is now the 20th most commonly-spoken language in the world.Apr 11, 2018read more >>