There is compelling evidence suggesting that Neanderthals had some form of language or complex communication:
- Anatomical Evidence
- Hyoid Bone: A well-preserved Neanderthal hyoid bone (a small, horseshoe-shaped bone in the throat) found in Israel suggests they had a vocal structure similar to modern humans. This bone supports the tongue and larynx, which are essential for speech.
- Brain Structure: Endocasts (internal casts of skulls) indicate that Neanderthals had a well-developed Broca’s area, a region of the brain associated with speech production.
- FOXP2 Gene: Neanderthals shared a version of the FOXP2 gene with modern humans, which is linked to language development and speech capability.
- Social and Cultural Complexity
- Symbolic Behavior: Neanderthals created cave art, used pigments, and possibly wore jewelry, indicating symbolic thinking—a key component of language.
- Burial Practices: Evidence of intentional burials and possible rituals suggests they had cultural traditions that might have been passed down through language.
- Tool-Making & Teaching: Neanderthal tools (e.g., Mousterian industry) were complex and likely required teaching and verbal instruction.
- Hearing Abilities
- Studies of Neanderthal ear structures suggest they had the ability to perceive sounds in the same frequency range as human speech, making spoken communication plausible.
While there is no direct proof that Neanderthals had full-fledged language, the combination of anatomical, genetic, and cultural evidence strongly suggests they had at least some form of sophisticated communication.