Which Modern Language is the Closest to Avestan?

Avestan, an ancient Iranian language primarily known as the language of the Avesta, the sacred texts of Zoroastrianism, has captivated scholars and linguists for its unique characteristics and historical significance. Among the modern languages, several contenders emerge when attempting to identify the closest relative to Avestan. This article explores the most notable contenders and provides a comprehensive analysis to guide readers in understanding the linguistic heritage and evolution of Avestan.

The Closest Living Language: Persian

Many experts consider Persian, particularly its older forms such as Middle Persian (also known as Pahlavi), to be the closest living language to Avestan. Persian has evolved from the same linguistic roots as Avestan and retains some grammatical structures and vocabulary that can be traced back to the ancient language. Middle Persian, in particular, is known for its preservation of Avestan vocabulary and phonetic features, making it a valuable study in understanding the linguistic evolution of the Iranian language family.

An Old School Analysis: Kurdish and Balochi

While not as closely related as Middle Persian, languages such as Kurdish and Balochi can be seen as descendants of the Iranian language family that share some similarities with Avestan. These languages, while distinct, provide insight into the broader linguistic landscape of the ancient Iranian region and offer a glimpse into the complex evolution of languages over thousands of years.

The Wiseass Answer: Sanskrit

A less conventional yet intriguing answer comes from the suggestion of Sanskrit. While Sanskrit might not have any native speakers, it has a rich history of academic study and revival. Proponents argue that sanskrit would be as close to Avestan as it was 3000 years ago. However, a more historically informed approach would point to Pashto, a direct descendant of a related unattested language and the one with the closest ties to Avestan. Pashto, with its roots in the region Zarathustra is said to have come from (now in Afghanistan), shares distinct linguistic similarities with Avestan that set it apart from other Iranian languages.

Removal of Tamil: A Unique Perspective

Another interesting perspective comes from the suggestion that if Tamil vocabularies were removed from Sanskrit, Avestan would emerge. This intriguing hypothesis, although not widely accepted, adds an interesting layer to the debate. It highlights the complex interplay of linguistic elements and the influence of various regional languages on the development of Sanskrit over time. The claim that Sanskrit contains 60 Tamil words further supports the possibility that Sanskrit, in its early stages, was a polymorphous language influenced by various linguistic traditions.

Eastern Iranian Languages and Vedic Sanskrit

The Eastern Iranian languages, particularly Avestan, share a rich history with Vedic Sanskrit, a sister language considered very similar to Avestan. Both languages belong to the same branch of the Indo-European language family and exhibit remarkable similarities in their grammatical structures and vocabulary. The Avestan language, I-III, and Vedic Sanskrit are often studied together to better understand the potential linguistic continuum between these ancient languages.

Old Persian: A Closer Lingual Relative

While Avestan is closely related to Old Persian, the Achaemenid empire's language, Old Persian itself is a valuable reference point in understanding the linguistic landscape of the time. Old Persian, alongside Vedic Sanskrit, is often mentioned in academic discourse as a closely related language that shares many linguistic features with Avestan.

Conclusion

While the idea of Sanskrit being a direct descendant of Avestan is theoretically fascinating, Persian, Middle Persian in particular, remains the closest living language to Avestan. The unique linguistic features of Persian and its preservation of Avestan elements make it a prime candidate for those seeking to understand the evolution of ancient Iranian languages. Nonetheless, the study of Avestan and its relatives continues to be an enriching field of academic inquiry, offering invaluable insights into the complex history of languages and cultures.