Passages

 1. The Origins Of Language

The origin of language is unknown and dramatically debated, yet it remains one of the most interesting and complex subjects in our history to explore. As with any long-standing enigma, explanations range from the practical to the philosophical. According to theorists, certain aspects of our communication may be traced back to animal language and beyond, while other qualities seem unique to humans.

No definitive answer exists as to when the first true language emerged or how quickly speech progressed, but theories suggest that all modern languages come from a single original vocalization. It’s worth noting that for all its mysterious beginnings, spoken language is thought to be older than writing systems. Quipu—a device used by Incans for record keeping—is just one example of an ancient “non-word” written system believed to have predated verbalized communication by thousands of years.

Studying ancient and historical cultures further complicates the picture: When did words emerge? What does evolution tell us about the developmental timeline of verbal communication? While there can never be a singular answer agreeable by everyone, dissecting and examining early cultural scripts offer fragments into our past that can help classify criteria among introduced forms of speech over time—offering curious minds yet another opportunity to indulge in speculation around one of humankind’s most defining characteristics: language itself.