Although language’s origin remains enigmatic, what’s unquestionable, and of most relevance as we head onward, is that language and thought provide a potent mix. Whether or not an internal version of language preceded its external vocalization, and whether or not that vocalization was prompted by song or infant care or gesticulation or gossip or communal discourse or possessing a big brain or something else entirely, once the human mind had language, our species’ engagement with reality was poised for radical change.
