The Early Evolution of Language: A Species Pump Hypothesis

This book proposes a step‑by‑step process through which the early evolution of human language originated. Starting from an ape‑like communication system, prehuman ancestors were "pumped" out of the rainforest by cyclic climate changes between 10 to 6 million years ago and subjected to harsh predatory conditions and the absence of safe havens. A phonetic "modal voice" evolved in response. Inarticulate sounds gradually became articulated syllables. The diversification of these syllables event...