Several theories suggest the existence of a common language among all humans on Earth. One reference often cited is the theory from the Old Testament of the Bible, which deals with the Tower of Babel. According to this theory, all humans created by the divine spoke the same language. However, it does not name this language, which makes it a myth in the eyes of scientists. Therefore, it would be quite risky to assert, without tangible proof, that all humans spoke the same language. However, other studies have shown that early prehistoric humans, particularly Homo habilis, possessed language centers in their brains.
What Is a Language Center?
Anatomically, the language center, also known as “Broca’s area,” is a region of the brain located in the posterior part of the frontal lobe, near the brain responsible for tongue and jaw movements. This region is responsible for the production of spoken words, with words constituting “the motor component of language.” Next to this region, another area called “Wernicke’s area” assists in the comprehension of words and language symbols. This means that this area processes perceived speech. According to scientists, these two regions are connected by bundles of nerve fibers, a kind of arcuate fasciculus, facilitating communication and understanding during interactions.
Did Prehistoric Humans Speak?
In his scientific article on “Language and Communication Among Hominids,” linguist and member of the Royal Academy of Belgium, Guy Jucquois, cites a range of paleontologists and neuroanthropologists who have mentioned that early humans naturally possessed a language center in their brains. Among these authors, the most well-known is Dean Falk, an American academic neuroanthropologist specializing in brain evolution and cognition in higher primates. She revealed that prehistoric humans could speak thanks to the language center defined above. But what language did these humans use?
What Language Did Prehistoric Humans Speak?
Several theorists agree that the prehistoric language was likely sign language when considering the potential complexities of history. Language, as suggested by paleoanthropologist Henry de Lumley, “does not fossilize.” This means that language does not leave a trace. Therefore, it is not easy to precisely determine the language of prehistoric humans. Moreover, for many linguists and paleoanthropologists, certain factors must be taken into account when determining the language used by early humans:
- Biological considerations: development of the organs in prehistoric humans (oral cavity, cerebral cortex, pharynx)
- Social and technological complexity: difficulty in communication due to differences and the absence of technology.
The first criterion is one to exclude because, as demonstrated above, humans have always possessed it. However, the second criterion, social and technological complexity, should not be overlooked. This factor supports the argument that prehistoric humans used sign language. Additionally, considering the first criterion, some studies have shown a gradual transformation of the larynx and body. This could potentially delay speech articulation in early humans. This is why the earliest evidence of speech dates back to the time of the Neanderthals, around 250,000 years ago. Some studies even reveal that these hominids could pronounce certain vowels like “a, o, i.”
What Was the First Language Spoken on Earth?
The question of the first language spoken in the world remains very complex, as mentioned earlier. Specialists debate it extensively. The first languages spoken leave no written records, making their identification extremely challenging. This leads many researchers to suggest that the first language may have been a sign language. Additionally, language is a cultural artifact in constant evolution, making it difficult to determine a precise “starting point.” Some schools of thought propose that the first language spoken might have been a form of mimetic language, imitating actions or objects, as observed in some primates mentioned above.
What Do Other Sources Say About the First Language Spoken on Earth?
Other researchers have turned to the study of current languages to trace their origins. For instance, linguists Franz Bopp and Tamaz V. Gamkrelidze contributed to the discovery of the Indo-European family, a vast group of languages sharing common features that could have their roots in Mesopotamia. Geography also plays a key role in the emergence and diversification of languages. For example, a 2011 study traced the origin of human language to Africa by mapping and comparing the number and diversity of phonemes in 504 languages around the world.
