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Human Language emerged 135,000 Years Ago, study suggests

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March 19, 2025
3 min read

Human Language emerged 135,000 Years Ago, study suggests

The origins of human language have long been a mystery, but a new study suggests that our ability to communicate with words may have emerged at least 135,000 years ago. Researchers analysed genetic data to estimate when early human populations first started branching out across the world. Their findings indicate that if all human languages share a common origin, then the ability to use complex speech must have been present before these early migrations began.

The study, led by linguist Shigeru Miyagawa of MIT and published in Frontiers in Psychology, draws from 15 genetic studies conducted over the past 18 years. These studies examined various genetic markers, including the Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA, to determine when Homo sapiens first began dispersing into different regions. Their conclusions point to 135,000 years ago as the most likely period when humans were still one connected population, meaning language capacity must have already been in place.

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Language is not just about producing sounds; it requires cognitive ability to form words and structure sentences. Miyagawa argues that while some researchers speculate language could date back millions of years, the real question is when humans gained the ability to organise thoughts into structured communication. This ability, he believes, developed in the Homo sapiens brain long before language was widely used as a social tool.

The archaeological record further supports this theory. Around 100,000 years ago, evidence of symbolic thinking, such as cave markings and early artistic expressions, began appearing across different human societies. Miyagawa suggests that language may have played a key role in sparking these new forms of expression and complex social behaviours.

While some scholars argue that human cognition and tool use evolved gradually over time, this study adds to growing evidence that the emergence of language was a defining moment in human evolution. It may have been the spark that led to the advanced cultures, innovations, and societies we see today.

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