There are up to 7,000 languages in the world. Therefore, to date, many theories have been put forward regarding their origin. Some scholars believe that all languages are descended from one ancient language. Others agree that most languages have evolved independently over the centuries. What is the history of human speech and how did language develop?
Instructions
Step 1
The earliest written records date back to 3000-2000. BC. They were found in Mesopotamia (the territory of present-day Iran). History and archeology prove that several new and completely formed languages emerged abruptly and unexpectedly. Each of these languages allowed for the expression of a spectrum of thoughts and feelings and was radically different from the rest. Psychology professor Lera Boroditskaya said: "When linguists delve into the languages of the world, a huge variety of unexpected differences are discovered."
Step 2
There are many language families, for example Russian and Ukrainian or Tatar and Turkish. Languages belonging to a particular family may be similar in sound or grammar. However, they have nothing in common with another language group. People in different parts of the world perceive the surrounding reality differently. The thinking and mentality of a person affects his speech, so it is not surprising that several millennia ago, tribes and peoples began to speak each in their own understandable language.
Step 3
But, in spite of everything, these languages were quite developed. People built cities, created a powerful army and established international trade. With defects or inaccuracies in the language, as well as without mutual understanding, this would not be possible. This idea is confirmed by Harvard University professor Stephen Pinker: "There is no such thing as a language of the Stone Age level." Each nation has a successfully developed language that is not inferior in complexity to the languages of ancient civilizations and modern states.
Step 4
Legends about the Tower of Babel are spread all over the world. The bottom line: during the construction of a huge tower, people suddenly stopped understanding each other. Therefore, having united in language families, they settled on the earth. Many come to the conclusion that this story, which was first recorded by Moses in 1513 BC, could not have become so common without relying on some documentary sources.
