When:
* No definitive date: There's no concrete evidence to pinpoint the exact time language emerged.
* Estimates based on archeological evidence: Some researchers suggest that language may have emerged around 100,000 to 200,000 years ago, coinciding with the appearance of complex tools and symbolic thinking in early humans.
* Evolutionary theory: Language likely evolved gradually over thousands, even millions, of years.
How:
* No single event: Language didn't suddenly appear; it evolved through a process of gradual changes and adaptations.
* Possible starting points:
* Gestures and vocalizations: Early humans likely communicated through a combination of gestures, facial expressions, and sounds.
* Proto-languages: These could have been simple, limited systems of sounds and meanings.
* Social pressures: The need for complex communication for things like hunting, gathering, and social interactions may have spurred language development.
* Cognitive changes: The development of language is likely linked to evolutionary changes in the human brain, including the regions responsible for speech, memory, and social interaction.
Current theories:
* The "gestural theory" proposes that language originated from gestures, which gradually became more complex and eventually evolved into spoken language.
* The "vocal theory" suggests that vocalizations, initially for social bonding and emotional expression, became more sophisticated and eventually developed into language.
* The "combination theory" combines elements of both, recognizing that both gestures and vocalizations likely played a role in language development.
Challenges:
* Lack of direct evidence: We don't have preserved languages from early humans.
* Studying non-human primates: While some primates exhibit communication skills, it's debated whether they represent precursors to human language.
* The complexity of language: Even the most basic form of language involves intricate systems of grammar, syntax, and meaning.
The bottom line:
While the exact origin of language remains unknown, scientists and linguists are continuously working to unravel the mysteries of its evolution. Research into the anatomy, cognitive abilities, and social interactions of early humans, as well as the study of existing languages, provides clues to help us piece together this fascinating puzzle.