Here's why:
* Increased social complexity: As early human societies grew and became more complex, there was a need for sophisticated communication to coordinate activities, share information, and manage social relationships.
* Sharing knowledge and skills: Language allowed individuals to share knowledge, skills, and experiences, which was crucial for survival and advancement. This could include everything from finding food and shelter to planning hunts and defending against predators.
* Cooperation and coordination: Language facilitated cooperation and coordination among groups, enabling them to work together effectively and achieve common goals.
* Social bonding and group identity: Language also helped to build social bonds and create a sense of shared identity within groups. This was important for maintaining social cohesion and fostering cooperation.
While this theory is widely accepted, it's important to remember that language likely emerged through a gradual process over many thousands of years, with multiple factors contributing to its development.
Other possible reasons include:
* The need to express emotions and thoughts: Humans have complex emotions and thoughts, and language could have provided a way to express and share these.
* The need to warn of danger: Language may have developed as a way to quickly communicate about threats and dangers, improving survival chances.
The exact reasons for the development of language are still a subject of debate and research, but the theory of social complexity remains a strong and influential explanation.