Human Language Probably Developed Over 135,000 Years Ago, New Research Suggests
There are approximately 7,000 languages spoken worldwide today, enabling humans to converse, narrate, and exchange information. The ability to articulate our thoughts is a fundamental aspect of humanity, and recent research indicates that we may have been utilizing language far longer than previously believed—dating back at least 135,000 years.
Although each language possesses its distinct sounds and structures, new findings imply that all 7,000+ languages currently in use may stem from a singular linguistic family tree. A collaborative team from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the American Museum of Natural History, the Department of Linguistics at the University of São Paulo, and other partners investigated the genetics of ancient humans and discovered that the capacity for language was likely ingrained in our DNA long before our ancestors embarked on their global migrations.
Miyagawa and his team examined 15 varied scientific studies, employing different methodologies, and observed that they all converged on the same conclusion: humans began diverging into distinct groups roughly 135,000 years ago. This conclusion was derived from analyzing our complete DNA, Y chromosomes (inherited from fathers), and mitochondrial DNA (inherited from mothers). The researchers argue that if language had emerged after this divergence, some human groups today might lack language or might communicate in entirely different manners. However, that is not the case—every human group has language, prompting the researchers to conclude that language must have existed prior to the dispersal of humans.
“Every population spreading across the globe possesses a human language, and all languages share a common ancestry,” states Shigeru Miyagawa, a professor emeritus of linguistics and the Kochi-Manjiro Professor of Japanese Language and Culture at MIT. “I believe we can assert with considerable confidence that the initial split occurred approximately 135,000 years ago, thus the capacity for human language must have been present by that time, or even earlier.”
Some researchers posit that humans may have been capable of utilizing language millions of years ago, simply by observing the communication methods of other primates (such as apes). However, according to Miyagawa, it isn’t merely about producing sounds—it involves the cognitive ability to combine words and grammar into a structured system that enables us to convey complex ideas. He notes that human language is exceptional due to its dual components: words, which are the labels we assign to objects like “tree” or “run,” and syntax, which encompasses the grammatical rules that assist us in assembling words in a coherent manner.
Miyagawa proposes that humans possessed the cognitive capacity for language prior to its actual use in communication. Initially, it may have served as a personal cognitive tool, but around 135,000 years ago, it began evolving into a form of social communication. Archaeological evidence of this transition emerges around 100,000 years ago, featuring activities such as carving symbols in caves and tombs.
“Language was the catalyst for modern human behavior,” asserts Miyagawa. “In some way, it stimulated human cognition and fostered the emergence of these types of behaviors. If we are correct, individuals were learning from one another [as a result of language] and promoting innovations similar to those observed 100,000 years ago.”
Miyagawa acknowledges that there is still much to uncover in this field, but he perceives studies like this as significant strides towards comprehending the origins of language. “Our methodology is very empirically grounded, rooted in the most current genetic insights on early Homo sapiens,” he states. “I believe we are on a promising research trajectory, and I hope this will inspire further exploration into human language and evolution.”
Check out the complete scientific paper, titled *Linguistic capacity was present in the Homo sapiens population 135 thousand years ago, here*.
Sources: *Linguistic capacity was present in the Homo sapiens population 135 thousand years ago*; *When did human language emerge?*
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