ANTH 366: The Evolution of Human Language

Course Description

This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary study of the nature and emergence of human language, “the most human thing about being human.” We will examine the cognitive, neurological and genetic underpinnings of language, and evidence for its biological innateness in human beings. We will investigate the key characteristics of human language and their possible basis in the abilities of other animals, focusing particularly on language studies with the great apes. We also will examine the fossil and archaeological record of human evolution for anatomical and cultural clues as to when and why language might have evolved. Finally, we will discuss how the first language(s) might have morphed into the over six thousand languages spoken by human beings today.