Europe:
* Latin: This was the dominant language for official documents across most of Europe. It was used in legal documents, treaties, church records, and scholarly works. While Latin wasn't spoken by the common people, it served as a common language for communication and administration throughout the continent.
* Vernacular Languages: The use of vernacular languages (languages spoken by the common people) was starting to increase in official documents. For example, in France, French was increasingly used in royal decrees and legal documents. Similarly, in England, English was gaining ground, although Latin remained the dominant language.
* Other Regional Languages: In various parts of Europe, regional languages such as German, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese were starting to appear in official documents, particularly in areas where Latin was less influential.
Asia:
* Chinese: Classical Chinese remained the official language for state documents in China during the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368).
* Arabic: Arabic was the dominant language for official documents in the Arab world, including the Middle East and North Africa.
Africa:
* Arabic: In many parts of North Africa, Arabic was the official language for state documents.
* Various Indigenous Languages: In other parts of Africa, various indigenous languages were used in local administration and communication.
Americas:
* Various Indigenous Languages: In the Americas, indigenous languages were used for official documents by different Native American tribes and civilizations.
It's important to note that the use of Latin was gradually declining in favor of vernacular languages, particularly in Europe, during the late Middle Ages. This shift reflects the growing importance of national identities and the increasing literacy of the common people.