1. Enhanced Cognitive Abilities: Language likely played a crucial role in boosting our cognitive abilities. By allowing us to express complex thoughts, share ideas, and learn from each other, it likely fueled the development of abstract thinking, problem-solving, and memory.
2. Increased Social Complexity: Language enabled us to build complex societies and cultures. We could establish shared norms, beliefs, and values. This led to more sophisticated forms of cooperation, communication, and social organization.
3. Passing on Knowledge: Language provided a mechanism for transmitting knowledge across generations. We could share stories, history, and cultural traditions, allowing accumulated wisdom to be passed down and built upon. This significantly accelerated our learning and development.
4. Enhanced Collaboration and Innovation: Language enabled us to work together more effectively on complex tasks, fostering innovation and technological advancement. Sharing ideas and coordinating actions became far more efficient.
5. Shaping Our Identity: Language is deeply intertwined with our sense of self and identity. It defines our culture, our values, and our way of seeing the world. It allows us to connect with others who share our language and builds a sense of belonging.
Ultimately, the most important change brought by language is its transformative impact on our species. It enabled us to become the complex, social, and intellectually capable creatures we are today.
It's important to note that the development of language wasn't a single event, but a gradual process that likely happened in stages over many millennia. Each stage likely brought about its own set of significant changes.