The Somali language is believed to be over a thousand years old, with its roots tracing back to the ancient tribes of the Horn of Africa. Linguistic evidence suggests that Somali originated from the Cushitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family. The earliest written records of Somali date back to the 13th century in the form of inscriptions and poems, although the language itself was primarily oral until the 20th century.
Somali was officially recognized in 1972 when it was adopted as the national language of Somalia. Before that, the language had various dialects and was primarily written in the Latin script developed in the early 20th century. This recognition affirmed its historical significance and laid the foundation for its development in literature, education, and media.
Today, Somali is not only spoken in Somalia but also by millions in neighboring countries and among the diaspora around the world. The longevity and adaptability of the Somali language underscore the rich cultural heritage of the Somali people.