New insights into the origin of human language suggest that our unique capacity for linguistic expression emerged at least 135,000 years ago.
For centuries, humans have pondered the origin of language, a fundamental aspect of our species’ cognitive and social development. Recent research offers new insights into this complex question, suggesting that human ‘language capacity emerged at least 135,000 years ago.’
Human language is a complex and intricate form of communication that has been studied by linguists, anthropologists, and cognitive scientists for centuries.
Research suggests that language evolved around 200,000 years ago in Africa, with early humans using gestures and vocalizations to convey meaning.
Studies on fossil records and brain structure indicate that language development was likely linked to the emergence of complex social structures and cultural practices.
Estimates suggest that there are over 7,000 languages spoken globally, with many more dialects and regional variations.
The Logic Behind the Findings
According to Shigeru Miyagawa, an MIT professor and co-author of the study, ‘the logic is very simple.‘ Since all human languages are likely to have a common origin, the key question becomes when regional groups began spreading across the globe. By analyzing genomic data from 15 genetic studies published over the past 18 years, researchers were able to estimate that the first split occurred around 135,000 years ago.
The Emergence of Human Language
Miyagawa’s team examined various types of genetic data, including inherited Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA, as well as whole-genome studies. The results collectively point to a significant event in human history, marking the beginning of our species’ linguistic diversity.
Human language diversity refers to the vast array of languages spoken across the globe.
It's estimated that there are over 7,000 languages worldwide, with the majority being indigenous languages.
According to Ethnologue, a comprehensive catalog of languages, the top five languages by native speakers are Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, English, Hindi, and Arabic.
Language diversity is often linked to cultural identity and plays a significant role in preserving heritage and traditions.
A Cognitive System and a Communication System
For Miyagawa, ‘language is not just a tool for communication but also a cognitive system that enables us to generate complex thoughts and express them to others.’ He proposes that humans had the cognitive capacity for language before we constructed our first languages, suggesting that language emerged as a private cognitive system before becoming a public means of communication.
The Archaeological Record
Roughly 100,000 years ago, the archaeological record shows a widespread appearance of symbolic activity, including meaningful markings on objects and the use of fire to produce ochre. This evidence supports the idea that language played a crucial role in the emergence of complex human behaviors.
Symbolic activity refers to actions, gestures, or behaviors that convey meaning beyond their literal interpretation.
These activities often involve the use of symbols, such as language, art, or rituals, to express complex ideas, emotions, and values.
Examples include cultural ceremonies, artistic performances, and written texts.
Symbolic activity plays a crucial role in human communication, allowing individuals to convey nuanced meanings and create shared understanding.
Conclusion
The study’s findings offer a new perspective on the origins of human language, suggesting that our unique capacity for linguistic expression emerged at least 135,000 years ago. While further research is needed to fully understand the evolution of language, this work provides an important step towards filling out the picture of human language and its emergence.
- mit.edu | When did human language emerge?
