The Neuroarchaeology of Language Origins

Abstract Working within a neuroarchaeological framework, this chapter discusses the results of multiple studies that demonstrate that linguistic instruction is not necessary to learn how to make complex Acheulian handaxes, and furthermore, there is limited involvement of established language structures of the brain during Acheulian tool-making. The transition from Oldowan to Acheulian technology may be more informative about the origins of music than the origins of language. Acheulian tool-making utilizes a vast working memory network in the brain, which perhaps uncoincidentally is also activated when pianists play the piano. This research suggests that selective pressures to exploit novel food resources with advanced tools may have resultantly selected for enhancements in working memory, including a working memory system dedicated to the processing of verbal information. Overall, what can be gleaned from these studies is that the Acheulian transition was probably not because of a punctuated language evolutionary event but rather may be evidence of advancements in working memory capabilities over time. Language subsequently evolved in a mosaic fashion over a longer period of time, which could explain the lengthy tenure of the Acheulian industry as evidenced in the archaeological record.