Abstract

The recent proliferation of types of humans known from the fossil record has made the question of why only one species survives today especially intriguing. In this talk I will return to the much debated question of the cognitive differences between Homo sapiens and all other members of Homo, focussing on the issue of capabilities for language and how this influences thought and the process of culture change. I will argue that the invention of words by a group of Homo sapiens, probably in Africa at c. 100,000 years ago, and the adoption of words within this species, transformed not only communication but also the nature of thought, enabling the development of complex concepts, the so-called cultural ratchet effect and cultural differentiation. I will illustrate the need for new words by reference to the origin of farming societies in SW Asia and note that the on-going invention of words continues to influence our thoughts and deeds today. In essence, I am seeking a re-instigation of a Sapir-Whorf-like hypothesis as a valuable tool for understanding cultural variation today and, more particularly, cultural change through time.

Reference

Steven Mithen (University of Reading), “How we talked our way out of the Stone Age”, IAST General Seminar, Toulouse: IAST, November 22, 2019, 11:30–12:30, room MS 001.