Shafaqna English- A new study suggests humanity may once have spoken tens of thousands of languages, with linguistic diversity peaking between 1,000 and 3,000 years ago before declining sharply as large states and empires expanded, according to Science Alert. Published in Science, the study used computer modeling to reconstruct the evolution of human languages over the past 12,000 years. Researchers estimate that while roughly 4,500 to 6,200 languages may have existed at the start of the Holocene, language diversity later expanded dramatically, potentially reaching tens of thousands of distinct languages before entering a prolonged decline. Researchers say the historical decline may also affect modern linguistic research. The study also highlights the continuing threat to linguistic diversity.