Exploring the Origins of Language: A New Perspective
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Chapter 1: The Enigma of Language
Language is an integral part of our daily lives, yet we seldom contemplate its origins. Who was the pioneer of spoken communication? What were their words, and what prompted them to articulate at all? Was the development of spoken language a critical evolutionary milestone that distinguished our ancient Homo sapiens ancestors from other hominins, or was it a learned behavior? Fortunately, researchers are equally intrigued by these questions.
While a definitive answer remains elusive, scholars have proposed several compelling theories. One previously discussed notion suggests that caregivers, particularly maternal figures, invented spoken language to facilitate communal childcare. In contrast, a newer theory posits that verbal communication arose in response to climate changes, supported by some unexpected evidence.
Section 1.1: The Timeline of Language Development
The precise timeline for the emergence of language is a subject of ongoing debate, with experts estimating that Homo sapiens began to utilize spoken language between 50,000 and 100,000 years ago. However, an increasing body of research indicates that we were not the first to master speech; other hominins, like Neanderthals, likely communicated verbally long before our time.
Recent findings suggest that language may have originated much earlier, potentially millions of years ago, rather than the tens or hundreds of thousands previously believed. Researchers propose that verbal language began to take shape between 5.3 and 16 million years ago during the Miocene epoch.
Subsection 1.1.1: Understanding the Miocene Epoch
Photo by Sai De Silva on Unsplash
The Miocene, a segment of the broader Neogene period, spanned from 23.03 to 5.33 million years ago and was characterized by significant geological transformations. As continents drifted and ocean currents shifted, the Earth underwent substantial ecological changes. During this time, the landscape transitioned from dense forests to expansive grasslands, paving the way for new mammalian species and shifting the living habits of hominids from trees to the ground. Researchers at the University of Warwick believe this shift played a crucial role in the evolution of spoken language.
Section 1.2: Recent Discoveries in Language Evolution
In December 2023, a study led by Charlotte Gannon, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Warwick, was published in the journal Nature. This research, which included experiments with orangutans, investigates how language might have evolved as hominids adapted to ground living.
The researchers traveled to a savanna in South Africa, akin to the landscapes of the Miocene, to analyze two distinct types of orangutan calls. Chosen for their arboreal lifestyle, orangutans provide insight into the potential sounds of ancient hominids during their transition from trees to terrestrial living. Gannon described the orangutan calls as a “time machine,” giving scientists a glimpse into the nature of early communication.
The first video, "Early Theories on the Origin of Language," explores various hypotheses surrounding the beginnings of spoken communication.
The study identified two types of calls: the "kiss squeak," classified as a “proto-consonant,” and the “grumph,” which is a “proto-vowel.” The researchers discovered that the kiss squeaks traveled much farther than the grumphs across the open landscape, suggesting a reliance on consonant-heavy vocabulary for effective communication over greater distances.
Chapter 2: Surprising Findings About Sound Propagation
Despite expectations based on sound science, the results were surprising. Typically, low-frequency sounds like grumphs should travel farther than higher-frequency sounds like kiss squeaks. However, the study revealed that kiss squeaks could be heard at distances of up to 830 feet, while grumphs became inaudible after about 410 feet.
The implications of this research are significant. If language did indeed begin during the Miocene, it had ample time to evolve before the emergence of Homo sapiens. Gannon emphasized the ecological landscape's profound influence on the development of language.
The second video, "Where Did Language Come From?" delves into the evolution of language and communication across species.
Even if we were not the creators of spoken language, Gannon notes that Homo sapiens uniquely possess the most complex forms of language among known hominid species.
Shifting Perspectives
The idea that language arose to facilitate communication over long distances resonates with other species, such as elephants and their low-frequency rumbles, which allow them to stay connected over vast expanses. This phenomenon parallels the underwater communication of whales and dolphins.
Upon learning about Gannon's research, I pondered whether it would replace the earlier theory regarding caregivers' role in language development. However, I believe both theories could coexist, offering complementary insights into the evolution of human communication.
This article was originally published in the author’s free newsletter, Curious Adventure, and has been edited and republished on Medium with her permission. Thank you for reading; your support is appreciated.