Pali is a Middle Indic dialect closely related to Sanskrit, and one of the major languages of Buddhist scriptures and literature. It has indeed been used for over 2000 years by Theravāda Buddhists of India, Sri Lanka, and South East Asia, who traditionally believed it to be the very language spoken by the Buddha.

Which is the oldest language Pali or Sanskrit?

Both Sanskrit and Pali are considered to be ancient languages, but Sanskrit is relatively older than Pali. While Sanskrit has its root in the Indo-Aryan family of languages, Pali has been derived from the Prakrit family of languages.

Who speaks Pali language?

Pāli's use as a Buddhist canonical language came about because the Buddha opposed the use of Sanskrit, a learned language, as a vehicle for his teachings and encouraged his followers to use vernacular dialects. In time, his orally transmitted sayings spread through India to Sri Lanka (c.