r/language

So if one travels back in time to the 14th-15th century and could know only one language, which one would you choose so that you could speak with the most amount of people and/or the most diverse people (so covering the most geographical space)? Does it differ between the two centuries? And does it differ if you were like a merchant and a scholar? So for example, a language where I would be able to communicate with scientists/scholars from the most regions (name the regions if that's possible). I know that it isn't a straightforward answer and that each region had one, but if someone could talk about the different ones for each region and then maybe choose one, that would be great!

I'm really curious to know. Posting this random street interview video as an example.

https://preview.redd.it/rnxmzws5ovjh1.png?width=1672&format=png&auto=webp&s=09560509d508185037c9f423f4cbae6ef59e9597

Not sure if this is the right sub to ask this. If not, kindly redirect me.

Linguistically speaking, which group does this language belong to? It seems to have ended up split between the three over time.

I understand that there's nuance, and that you can't really categorize it, not truly. I'm asking in terms of archivisation and navigation. So, if you were looking through a catalogue of languages, would you look for this in the Europe section, Asia section, or SWANA section?

Thank you for your time!

Edit: It seems the way I worded this has come off as me looking for an arguement. I promise I'm not. I'm genuinely just trying to understand how this works.

A big «hello» to my favourite linguistic community! I am about to write my thesis on pragmatics and I am in desperate need for help. The topic sounds like «Tactics of consolation in a video discourse based on the material from streams»
And there I have two requests:

1. Could you recommend me any bibliography connected with the basis of pragmatics (it might be also some links, articles, literally everything) and with the topic of my thesis, if you know something suitable enough.
   ‘Cause my supervisor didn’t give me any details and sources to scrutinise during my summer vacation when i have time for that and WANT to explore this field of science (I have no against it, he’s a sweet jerk, love him, but i’am dying to hit the books haha)

2)Do you know any streamers, whose videos i can use as a foundation for my work?

I would be SO grateful, if you help me to find something useful and compelling. Thanks in advance!

Maybe i dont.likw the english language accent cause it sounds arrogant.

The accent itself.

You Agree ?

Let me know.