Here's what we know:
* Our species, Homo sapiens, evolved around 300,000 years ago. It's highly likely that our early ancestors used some form of communication, perhaps through gestures, calls, and rudimentary sounds.
* Evidence suggests that our brains were capable of language by at least 100,000 years ago. This is based on the size and structure of the Broca's and Wernicke's areas, brain regions crucial for language processing.
* Archaeological discoveries, such as cave paintings and early tools, indicate complex thought and communication capabilities dating back 40,000 years. This suggests a more developed form of language was present.
* Genetic studies indicate that the FOXP2 gene, which plays a role in speech and language, has been present in humans for at least 200,000 years.
Therefore, it's reasonable to believe that the emergence of language was a gradual process, likely starting with simple forms of communication and becoming increasingly sophisticated over time.
It's important to note that while we can't pinpoint a specific date, scientists continue to study the evolution of language through various disciplines, including archaeology, linguistics, and genetics. New discoveries and research constantly add to our understanding of this fascinating aspect of human history.