The History of Languages

What is a Language?

Apes and Whales communicate with each other.

Birds and Bees communicate with each other.

But only humans have developed a real Language.

No other species can express ideas using sentences constructed by a set of words (with verbs and nouns).

This skill is remarkable. And what is even more remarkable: Even children master this skill.

Spoken Languages

We are not sure of how old the spoken language is. The topic is difficult to study because of the lack of evidence.

We don't know how it started. But we have a clue.

The great African apes, Pan and Gorilla, are our closest living relatives. Why are they called "Apes"? Because they ape. Apes mime to get their message across.

It is assumed that the evolution of languages must have been a long process. Our ancestors might have started speaking a million years ago, but with fewer words, more miming, and no grammar.

Cognitive Development

According to Hauser, Chomsky, and Fitch (2002), there are six aspects of language development:

• Theory of Mind
• Understanding Vocal Signals
• Understanding Imitation
• Understanding Numbers
• Understanding Intentional Communication
• Understanding Non-linguistic Representations

Human Languages

Human languages contain a limited set of Words put together in Sentences:

Computer Languages

Computers are programmed with a limited set of Words put together in computer Statements:

Written Languages

Egyptian and Sumerian are the earliest known written languages.

(The oldest written language in use today, is Chinese)