A fascinating article in phys.org takes a look at evidence which sheds light on how Neanderthals’ language may have differed from that of modern humans’.
The key finding? While Neanderthals likely had the capacity for iconic words [e.g. words like “slither” & “giggle”] & syntax, their brains weren’t wired for metaphorical thinking & abstract concepts like ours.
A number of studies draw on evidence from neuroscience, genetics, & archaeology to compare Neanderthal & modern human brains/language abilities.
Both likely used iconic words representing sounds/textures [see my recent Word of the Week for the difference between iconic & onomatopoeic words]. But only we could easily combine clusters to form metaphors.
So while Neanderthals could communicate with words & syntax, their language likely lacked the creativity & abstractness that metaphors provide. A key milestone that may have enabled our species to flourish.
For those who love language, it’s a reminder of:
✔️ the power of metaphors for expressing complex meanings
✔️ how language shapes our ability to conceptualize abstract ideas
✔️ the uniqueness of human capacity for metaphorical thinking
Do you have a favourite metaphor?
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