When Language Began Conclusion

A. It seems obvious that humans are programmed to speak on some level. If otherwise, then at least a few groups of humans would be documented who did not speak or did not speak as well as other groups. Furthermore, all babies worldwide would not babble instinctively and eventually learn to speak. After all, no matter how much dogs and cats hear us talk, they do not do so themselves—nor do even the most talented chimpanzees.

B. Just when this ability emerged is currently unknown, but we can be reasonably certain that the humans who migrated out of Africa and populated the world possessed the gift of speech that we are familiar with today.