Re: Agreements on Archaeology and raft building

From: John Croft
Message: 1477
Date: 2000-02-13

Glen finished in conceding

> Even so, it is still not beyond a doubt whether or not these people
had or
> hadn't vocal language. I would have thought that they were
biologically
> incapable of the vocal language skills we have because of their
tongue and
> vocal chords? One would expect sign language or even body language
like
> among chimps to be a better tool of communication for them.

The argument that erectus lacked the skills for a modern vocal language
was largely based upon reconstructions of the throat and larynx of
Neanderthals, which suggested that they too lacked the vocal aparatus
associated with H.sapiens for a fully vocal language. This evidence
has recently been criticised by Stringer and others and it has been now
generally conceded that the vocal apparatus of Neanderthals was
generally adequate to the task.

Alan Wood's reconstruction of the Naritome (sic) boy, and his work on
erectus suggests an essentially modern appearance to the throat and
larynx region which also suggests some of the conclusions based upon
Neanderthal reconstructions were in error. Of course, having the
correct vocal apparatus does not mean that it was used for vocal
language. At the same time it also does not mean that it was not used
either. The case has not yet been closed.

Hope this helps.

Regards

John