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Tocharian B

language
Also known as: Kuchean

Quick Summary

Tocharian B is one of two extinct Indo-European languages spoken in the Tarim River Basin in China during the latter half of the 1st millennium AD. It is also referred to as West Tocharian or Kuchean. Tocharian languages are not closely related to other neighboring Indo-European languages but show affinities with western languages like Latin.12

The languages were written in the Brāhmī script and are known from Buddhist literature, monastery records, and caravan permits. Tocharian B was primarily spoken in the western region of Kucha, though some documents were also found in the eastern Turfan area. These languages became known to scholars in the early 20th century.12

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