Читать книгу Introducing Anthropology - Laura Pountney - Страница 47

Spoken language is essential to modern human cultures. We use language to communicate in a complex, ever-changing world. It is very difficult to assess when language developed, as there is little fossil evidence relating to language. It is currently believed that language first appeared in the form of gestures around the time of Homo erectus, in association with our larger brains and the higher cognitive requirements of hunting in groups. Spoken language, on the other hand, may be a much more recent adaptation. There are various theories about why and how language developed (some will be discussed later in the book). However, anthropologists estimate that spoken language developed around 100,000 years ago. This is because objects involving complex behaviours that probably required language began to be made. Being able to use a language undoubtedly contributed to, and was a result of, greater self-awareness in human beings.