The Pali language is an ancient Middle Indo-Aryan language that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is primarily known as the liturgical language of Theravada Buddhism, where it is used in sacred texts such as the Pali Canon. Pali is closely related to Sanskrit and has influenced many languages in the region. Pali was spoken around the 5th century BCE and is considered a key language for understanding early Buddhist teachings. It is not a language of daily communication today but remains important for scholars and practitioners of Buddhism, preserving the teachings of the Buddha and the early monastic community.