In 1000 BC, it was said that humans devised different methods to pass messages and communicate with one another before spoken words were invented. Before the development of spoken language, early humans likely communicated through a combination of nonverbal cues, gestures, facial expressions, vocalizations, and possibly rudimentary forms of sign language. While we can't precisely reconstruct the communication methods used by our prehistoric ancestors, researchers study modern-day hunter-gatherer societies and non-human primates to gain insights into early human communication.
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The fact is that the exact origins of language are not definitively known, as it developed over an extended period of human evolution. Language likely emerged gradually over tens of thousands of years as early humans evolved anatomical, cognitive, and social capabilities that enabled them to communicate more effectively.
There are some alternative ways of communication even in these modern days that doesn't require the use of language and the first is facial expressions.
Facial expressions: In many home, especially in my country (Nigeria) there are times our friends or parent try to pass a message to us with just there facial expressions. It is paramount as a kid, that you learn this expressions if you dont want to get yourself into troubles. If we have a visitor and the visitor is served food, all I needed to do was look at my mom face to know if I should remain in that vicinity or vacate to somewhere else.
Sign language: This is very common even before modernization. Being deaf or dumb isn't something that just started recently, it has been in existence for a long time and due to this, sign language was invented. Another thing you should note is that sign language is use vastly in many countries especially their military force. It is used to pass message within the enemy territory.
Symbols: Symbol is another alternative communication method both in the olden days and the modern day. You drive around and you see different symbol directing you on where to go and places not to park without anyone saying anything. In the olden days, there are places one arent allowed to enter, all they need to do is see the symbol and they would understand. In my country, were you see a red cloth, empty snail shell and an empty bottle, it is a symbol of danger, meaning a no go area.
Body language: Posture, body orientation, and movements could have conveyed information about dominance, submission, aggression, or friendliness. For example, standing tall and puffing out the chest might signal dominance, while crouching or making oneself appear smaller could signal submission.
The earliest direct evidence of symbolic behavior associated with language includes artifacts such as cave paintings and engraved objects, which date back tens of thousands of years.
However, the spoken language itself leaves no direct archaeological record, making it challenging to determine precisely when language first emerged, but here we are speaking language.
These communication methods would have enabled early humans to convey basic needs, emotions, intentions, and social information, laying the groundwork for the development of more complex language systems over time. As human cognition evolved, language likely emerged as a more efficient and versatile means of communication, allowing for the expression of abstract thoughts, the transmission of complex ideas, and the development of culture and society.
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