Origin of language
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The origin of language, its relationship with human evolution, and its consequences have been subjects of study for centuries. Scholars wishing to study the origins of language draw inferences from ev
The Tower of Babel by Pieter Bruegel the Elder (1563)
Illu larynx
Behavioral modernity
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Behavioral modernity is a suite of behavioral and cognitive traits associated with humans, reflecting capacities such as abstract and symbolic thought, planning depth, cumulative culture, and complex
Origin of language
…of animal communication (particularly those of other primates). Many argue for the close relation between the origins of language and the origins of modern human behavior, but there is little agreement about the facts and implications of this connection. The shortage of direct, empirical evidence has caused many scholars…
Upper Paleolithic (16,000-year-old) cave painting from Lascaux cave in France
The Venus of Hohle Fels figurine was carved about 40,000 years ago and is a product of behavioral modernity
A Māori man performing haka, a ceremonial dance. He is displaying several hallmarks of behavioral modernity including the use of jewelry, application of body paint, music and dance, and symbolic behavior.