However, here's a look at some possible forms of pre-linguistic communication:
* Non-verbal communication: This is the most basic form of communication and is still used by all animals, including humans. Non-verbal communication includes:
* Body language: Facial expressions, posture, gestures, and proximity can convey a variety of emotions and intentions.
* Vocalizations: Sounds like grunts, screams, and other non-linguistic noises could express basic emotions like fear, anger, and joy.
* Visual cues: This includes things like showing objects, pointing, and using visual symbols.
* Proto-language: This is a hypothetical stage in language development where there were rudimentary sounds and gestures that had some meaning but didn't yet have a fully developed grammatical structure. Proto-language may have been more like a series of calls and gestures than a true language.
* Tool use: The invention and use of tools could have been a form of communication, demonstrating knowledge and intent. For example, a shared hunting strategy might have been communicated through the use of specific tools or techniques.
Key points to consider:
* Evolutionary process: Language development was a gradual process, not a sudden event. It likely took many thousands of years for humans to develop the complex system of communication we use today.
* Limited evidence: We can only infer what pre-linguistic communication was like based on limited evidence.
* Animal communication: Observing animal communication provides insights into possible forms of early human communication, but it's crucial to remember that human language is incredibly complex and unique.
In summary: While we can't definitively say how humans communicated before language, it's likely that a combination of non-verbal communication, proto-language, and tool use played a role. This early communication was probably much simpler and less complex than modern language, but it was essential for survival and social interaction.