Tracing the Origins of Human Language

The quest to understand the origins of human language has intrigued mankind for centuries. An early legendary experiment conducted by the Egyptian Pharaoh Psammetichus involved raising two infants in isolation to observe if they would develop speech independently, and if so, in what language. This curiosity about language origins is shared across cultures and histories, evident in stories about rulers such as the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II and Akbar.

Scientific Study on Language Origins

Modern scientific endeavors have taken this curiosity further by examining the genetic foundations of speech, extending research beyond human subjects to other animals, such as mice.

• NOVA1 Gene:
  • NOVA1 is a gene found across most mammals.
  • Humans possess a unique variant of NOVA1 not found in Neanderthals and Denisovans.
• CRISPR Experimentation:
  • Scientists replaced the NOVA1 variant in mice with the human version using CRISPR gene editing.
  • The alteration resulted in different squeaking patterns among mice.
  • Baby mice with the human gene variant emitted distinct distress calls when separated from their mothers.
  • Adult male mice produced complex communication sounds when encountering females in heat.

These findings suggest that the unique human variant of the NOVA1 gene might be one of many components that contribute to the development of complex language capabilities, akin to a piece of the figurative Tower of Babel. The study highlights the growing role of genetic research in expanding the understanding of language evolution and history.