What was the first real evidence of language?

There's no single piece of evidence that can definitively be called the "first real evidence of language." Instead, we have a collection of clues from various sources, each offering a glimpse into the evolution of language:

1. Anatomical Evidence:

* Hyoid Bone: The hyoid bone, a small bone in the neck that supports the tongue, is considered a key structure for speech production. Fossilized hyoid bones in Neanderthals (around 400,000 years old) suggest they had the physical capacity for complex vocalizations.

* Brain Size and Structure: The human brain has evolved significantly, particularly in areas associated with language processing. However, it's difficult to definitively link these changes to specific language abilities.

2. Archaeological Evidence:

* Cave Paintings: Some cave paintings dating back 40,000 years suggest symbolic thinking, which is closely linked to language. While not direct evidence of language itself, they imply a level of cognitive complexity that could have accompanied language.

* Tools: The increasing complexity of tools over time, particularly in the Upper Paleolithic period (around 50,000 years ago), suggests a more sophisticated cognitive ability, which could have been aided by language.

3. Genetic Evidence:

* FOXP2 Gene: This gene is crucial for language development in humans. A specific mutation in the FOXP2 gene has been linked to speech and language impairments. While this gene existed in Neanderthals, the specific mutation found in humans might have been key to the development of modern language.

4. Linguistic Evidence:

* Proto-languages: By studying the similarities between languages, linguists can reconstruct hypothetical ancestral languages. The oldest reconstructed proto-languages date back to around 10,000 years ago, but this does not necessarily mean language originated at that point.

5. Behavioral Evidence:

* Chimpanzee Communication: While chimpanzees don't have human-like language, they use complex vocalizations, gestures, and facial expressions to communicate. This demonstrates the potential for complex communication in our primate ancestors.

The Big Picture:

While the first evidence of language is still debated, it's likely that language emerged gradually over a long period of time, evolving alongside our cognitive abilities. No single piece of evidence can definitively pinpoint the "first real evidence," but by examining these various clues, we can piece together a more complete understanding of language's origins.