Human Language

The emergence of human language is associated with the Homo sapiens period. This is estimated to be about 200,000 years ago, when this species came into existence. However, the emergence of language was between 30,000 and 100,000 years ago. In explaining the question of where the language emerged, it will be appropriate to focus on the remains of the Homo sapiens who existed between these periods of time. As it will emerge from the discussion, more recent Homo sapiens remains have been unearthed in France, Australia and China. This makes these places to be tentative locations where the human language may have emerged from. The question of how the human language developed will be explained by the evolution and spandrel theories. The former will seek to explain that language developed as a way of responding to ever-changing environment, while the latter holds that brain development was the explanation. In addition to that, the discussion will conclude by stating that the two theories are imperative in explaining how the human language emerged and developed.

When did human language emerge?

The development of human language made it possible to shift from the use of sign languages, and grunts that were associated with the Homo habilis and other predecessors. While this form of language played a significant role during Homo habilis time, the increased complexity in the environment prompted the need for a language that would make communication faster and more accurate. While it is not known when the language emerged, what is clear is that it began with the Homo sapiens. This species lived approximately 200,000 years ago. Nevertheless, the emergence of the language did not take place at this period, but happened later as life became mo...

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