Post-Classical Middle East: Coptic language

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Coptic language

Printed From: History Community ~ All Empires
Category: Regional History or Period History
Forum Name: Post-Classical Middle East
Forum Discription: SW Asia, the Middle East and Islamic civilizations from 600s - 1900 AD
URL: http://www.allempires.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=15068
Printed Date: 28-Apr-2024 at 19:07
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.56a - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Coptic language

Posted By: nikodemos
Subject: Coptic language
Date Posted: 27-Sep-2006 at 14:11

Hallo.
Is the Coptic language descended from the ancient Egyptian language?
If yes then why is it called coptic and not egyptian language?
Could anyone enlighten please?
And finally the ultimate question:
Why did the ancient Egyptian language become a dead language.When did the common people in Egypt abandon this language?

Replies:

Posted By: Komnenos
Date Posted: 28-Sep-2006 at 09:03

The Coptic language is indeed a direct descendant of the ancient Egyptian language, especially of its later demotic version, that featured in the Rosetta stone and enabled Champollion to decipher the hieroglyphs.

The reason why it's called "Coptic" is simple, it has only survived in the Coptic Christian Church, as the language of its liturgy. The language slowly but steadily disappeared in Egypt after the expansion of Islam in the 7th century, when Arabic became the dominant language.

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