How did people communicate early in history if at first they not know how to communicate?

This is a great question that gets at the core of how human language evolved! Here's a breakdown of the key points:

1. Early humans didn't start with language as we know it. It's believed that communication began with simpler forms:

* Gestures: Pointing, facial expressions, and body language were likely the first ways of communicating. Think of how a baby points to something it wants.

* Vocalizations: Early humans probably made sounds like grunts, screams, and other non-verbal vocalizations to signal danger, excitement, or need.

2. Language developed gradually. Over thousands of years, these early forms of communication evolved into more complex systems:

* Proto-languages: These were likely simple systems with limited vocabulary and grammar. They might have involved a combination of sounds, gestures, and perhaps even rudimentary symbols.

* Development of vocabulary: As humans interacted with their environment, they needed names for things. They started assigning sounds (words) to objects, actions, and concepts.

* Emergence of grammar: Over time, humans developed ways to combine words into sentences to convey more complex ideas. This is the foundation of grammar.

3. The process was long and complex. No one knows exactly how language developed, but we can look at evidence from:

* Archaeological discoveries: Tools and cave paintings can offer clues about the sophistication of early communication.

* Linguistic studies: Comparing languages helps us trace their origins and the evolution of sounds and grammar.

* Primate behavior: Studying how chimpanzees and other primates communicate can provide insights into the origins of human language.

In essence, language wasn't invented overnight. It was a gradual process of evolution, driven by the need for humans to cooperate, share information, and express themselves.