Oral Traditions, Technology, and Literary Traditions
The oldest written languages are from what is today known as the Middle East (particularly Egypt, Iraq, and Iran). The oldest known written texts date back to somewhere between 3300 and 2990 B.C.E., and are little more than lists of things. The oldest writing of a deeper (more abstract) complexity is cuneiform, which was well in use (recording poetry, stories, historical events,...) by 2500 B.C.E..
The oldest language is unrecorded and thus unknown, but there is reason to believe that there have been numerous languages prior to the first language written down. Indeed, some have argued that the first languages were not spoken (because vocal chords were under-developed); rather, they were signed languages.
Languages are “living” in that they are “born” of older “parent” languages and “grow” (develop) and “die” (are no longer used). Latin, for example, is a dead language—no one speaks it from birth; it does not thrive in a particular community. However, the “children” of Latin—French, Spanish, Italian—are thriving nicely. English is the “child” of older Germanic and French dialects.
A dialect is a sub-language (variation of at least two other languages combined).
Language is to culture as culture is to language: each shapes the other.
Language is affected by technology: the technology of the pen and paper (or of the stick and clay block), for example, helps to "stablize" the spelling and grammar of a language, even "standardize" its dialect. The Internet has had its own effect upon language development (which is why Dan Short recognizes it in his chart).
Oral traditions: Works (narrative and/or poetic) that are shared with a community through spoken language are a part of oral traditions: poetics, narrative structures, history, fiction, and non-performative nature.
Literary traditions: Works (narrative and/or poetic) that are shared with a community through written language are a part of literary traditions: poetics, narrative structures, history, fiction, and non-performative nature.
A Few Words about the Development of the English Language
Watch all seven parts of the below program episode. The Story of English
Episode 2: "The Mother Tongue"
(PBS/BBC, 1986)
NOTE: While some of the content of this video is slightly dated, it serves as a lovely over-view of the history of the English language, as well as a decent introduction to the first two-thirds of this course. You may even find yourself referring back to this video as you progress through the course content.
The oldest written languages are from what is today known as the Middle East (particularly Egypt, Iraq, and Iran). The oldest known written texts date back to somewhere between 3300 and 2990 B.C.E., and are little more than lists of things. The oldest writing of a deeper (more abstract) complexity is cuneiform, which was well in use (recording poetry, stories, historical events,...) by 2500 B.C.E.. 
