As a linguistic expert with a focus on the evolution of human communication, I can provide an insightful perspective on the question of when humans began to talk. The development of human language is a complex and fascinating subject that intertwines biology, anthropology, and linguistics. While it is impossible to pinpoint an exact date, we can discuss the timeline and the factors that contributed to the emergence of language based on scientific research and theories.
Step 1: English Answer
The origins of human language are shrouded in prehistory, but evidence suggests that the capacity for language emerged gradually over a long period of evolutionary time. The timeline for the development of language is often divided into several key phases:

1. Early Hominid Communication: Before the emergence of modern human language, early hominids likely used a form of proto-language or non-verbal communication. This would have included gestures, facial expressions, and perhaps simple vocalizations to convey basic needs and emotions.

2. The Development of Symbolic Thought: The ability to think symbolically is a crucial precursor to language. It is believed that early humans developed this capacity around 500,000 to 100,000 years ago. Symbolic thought allows for the abstraction of ideas and the creation of symbols to represent complex concepts, which is fundamental to language.

3. The Emergence of Complex Language: The leap to complex language, characterized by syntax and a large vocabulary, is thought to have occurred around 100,000 years ago, coinciding with the emergence of Homo sapiens. This is supported by the archaeological record, which shows an increase in the complexity of tools and art, suggesting a more sophisticated cognitive ability.

4. The Role of Social Structure: As human societies grew more complex, the need for a more nuanced form of communication became evident. The development of language would have been influenced by the size and structure of early human groups, with larger groups requiring more complex communication systems to coordinate activities and share information.
5. **Cultural Evolution and Language Diversity**: Over time, as human populations migrated and diversified, languages evolved and diversified as well. The current linguistic landscape, with over 5000 different languages, is a testament to the cultural evolution and the adaptability of human language.
It is important to note that the development of language is not a linear process with a clear starting point. It is a product of both biological evolution and cultural development. Theories such as the "FOXP2 gene theory," which links a specific gene to language ability, and the "bow-tie model" of language as a complex, interconnected system, provide further insights into the multifaceted nature of language evolution.
Additionally, the idea that all human languages may have arisen from a common ancestral language, often referred to as the "Proto-World" hypothesis, is a compelling theory. However, it is just one of many theories attempting to explain the origins and diversification of human languages. The study of linguistics, genetics, and archaeology continues to shed light on this topic, and our understanding of when and how humans began to talk is constantly evolving.

Step 2: Divider
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Some scientists think that all human languages arose from a common language spoken by our ancestors in Africa. There are over 5000 different languages in the world today, although some of these are nearly extinct. Human language probably started to develop around 100,000 years ago.read more >>