📜Tocharian Languages: Two Indo-European Tongues Unearthed in Xinjiang
Ancient languages from the Silk Road, what's their story?
TL;DR
Tocharian A and B are two closely related but distinct languages found in documents unearthed along the Silk Road. They date back to the 6th-8th centuries AD, primarily in Turfan and Kučā.
Tocharian A and B denote two separate Indo-European languages discovered in ancient texts from Chinese Turkestan. These languages were used between the 6th and 8th centuries AD, predominantly for Buddhist translations but also for monastic and business documents. The primary sites of these discoveries are Turfan and Kučā along what was once a bustling trade route. Tocharian A is found only in Turfan and Karashahr, while Tocharian B spans the entire Silk Road branch from east to west.
Key Points
Tocharian A is found only in Turfan and Karashahr, while Tocharian B spans from Turfan to Tumšuq (west).
The languages were unearthed in documents dating back to between the 6th and 8th centuries AD.
Most of the texts are Buddhist translations but also include monastic letters, business records, and graffiti.
Tocharian scripts include a variant of north Indian Brāhmī and occasionally Manichean script for Tocharian B documents.
The name 'Tocharian' was coined by F. W. K. Müller in 1907 to describe these languages found alongside Sanskrit manuscripts.
Why It Matters
If you're studying ancient Indo-European languages, Tocharian A and B are crucial. They provide unique insights into the linguistic landscape of Central Asia during a pivotal period of trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this matter?
If you're studying ancient Indo-European languages, Tocharian A and B are crucial. They provide unique insights into the linguistic landscape of Central Asia during a pivotal period of trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road.
What happened?
Tocharian A and B are two closely related but distinct languages found in documents unearthed along the Silk Road. They date back to the 6th-8th centuries AD, primarily in Turfan and Kučā.
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