Human Linguistic Capacity Traced Back 135,000 Years, Study Finds

New genetic analysis suggests the origins of human language are more than 100,000 years old

Complex language is something that sets humans apart from other animals. But when did this unique capacity for intricate communication emerge? Rock painting depicting women, Tassili N’Ajjer National Park, Tadrart Rouge, Algeria. The Tassili n’Ajjer is known for its prehistoric rock art, which is dated between 9,000 and 10,000 years ago. Credit: Antonio Ciufo / Moment / Getty Images Plus. Linguists have postulated that there may be an ancient lan…

Groundbreaking DNA study reveals when humans likely began talking

Researchers estimate when Homo sapiens split from a single regionally undivided group

It is a given and, therefore, it is possible that you have never even questioned yourself on the subject. However, new research claims to have a potential explanation for the fact that human beings...

When did human language emerge?

Humans’ unique language capacity was present at least 135,000 years ago, according to a survey of genomic evidence. As such, language might have entered social use 100,000 years ago.

Humans Started Using Language 135,000 Years Ago, Genetic Study Finds

An image of early Homo sapiens from Neanderthal-Museum, Mettmann. Credit: Neanderthal-Museum, Mettmann / CC BY-SA 4.0 Scientists have long debated the origins of human language, a defining trait that separates people from other animals. A new genetic study suggests that early humans may have had the ability to use language as far back as 135,000 years ago, with verbal communication in social settings emerging around 100,000 years ago. The findin…

Genomic study indicates our capacity for language emerged 135,000 years ago

It is a deep question, from deep in our history: when did human language as we know it emerge? A new survey of genomic evidence suggests our unique language capacity was present at least 135,000 years ago. Subsequently, language might have entered social use 100,000 years ago.