Constraining the time when language evolved [Elektronisk resurs]

• The precise timing of the emergence of language in human prehistory cannot be resolved. But the available evidence is sufficient to constrain it to some degree. This is a review and synthesis of the available evidence, leading to the conclusion that the time when speech in some form became important for our ancestors can be constrained to be not less than 400,000 years ago, thus excluding several popular theories involving a late transition to speech. 

Ämnesord

Humanities and the Arts  (hsv)

Languages and Literature  (hsv)

General Language Studies and Linguistics  (hsv)

Humaniora och konst  (hsv)

Språk och litteratur  (hsv)

Jämförande språkvetenskap och allmän lingvistik  (hsv)

Indexterm och SAB-rubrik

language evolution

emergence of language

human prehistory

speech

ancestors