Here's a breakdown:
* No Single "Agreement": The development of language is a highly debated topic with multiple theories and perspectives. Linguists don't necessarily agree on a specific timeline or precise stages.
* Early Theories: Some early theories suggested a single, sudden emergence of language. However, these ideas have been challenged by more nuanced and evidence-based approaches.
* Two-Stage Models: Several models of language development propose two stages:
* Stage 1: Pre-Language: This stage focused on rudimentary communication systems, potentially using gestures, vocalizations, and limited symbolic representation.
* Stage 2: Language Emergence: This stage marks the transition to a more complex system with syntax, grammar, and the ability to convey abstract ideas.
* Current Research: Modern research leans towards a gradual and continuous development of language. It suggests that pre-linguistic communication systems gradually evolved and became more complex over time.
Key Points:
* The timeline of language development is still debated and is subject to ongoing research.
* The idea of two stages is a simplified framework and doesn't necessarily reflect the complex and gradual nature of language evolution.
* There is no definitive "agreement" among linguists on specific stages or timelines.
Instead of focusing on a specific agreement, it's better to understand the different perspectives and ongoing research within the field of language evolution.