Speculations about the origins of language:
When did language begin? At the very beginnings of the genus Homo, perhaps 4 or 5 million years ago? Or with the advent of modern man, Cro-Magnon, some 125,000 years ago? Did the Neanderthal speak? He had a brain that was larger than ours, but his voice box seems to be higher in his throat, like that of the apes. We don’t know.
While it is sure is that - unsurprisingly - spoken language developed long before written language, no-one knows for certain how language originated. There are, however, lots of speculations (theories) about the origin of human language. Many of these have traditional amusing names, and I will create a few more where needed.
No. Name Description
1 The mama theory
Language began with the easiest syllables attached to the most significant objects.
2 The ta-ta theory
Sir Richard Paget, influenced by Darwin, believed that body movement preceded language. Language began as an unconscious vocal imitation of these movements -- like the way a child’s mouth will move when they use scissors, or my tongue sticks out when I try to play the guitar.