The Enigma of Original Languages: A Journey into the Birth of Language

The genesis of human language represents one of the great enigmas of anthropology and linguistics, evoking an infinite series of reflections and speculations. Language, the cardinal tool of communication and knowledge transmission, characterizes a distinctive trait of our species. However, its origins remain shrouded in mystery, obscured by the lack of direct evidence and the complexity of the phenomenon itself. Among the many theories that emerge, we can count the onomatopoeic theory, proposed by illustrious linguists such as Max Müller, which postulates the emergence of the first words through the imitation of natural sounds, evoking the idea of a primordial sound mimicry. Equally fascinating is the gestural theory, supported by scholars like Gordon W. Hewes, which hypothesizes an initial communication based on gestures and body movements, subsequently evolving into spoken language. No less intriguing is the emotional sound theory, which sees the vocal expressions of primitive emotions, such as cries of pain or joy, as the first manifestations of articulated language. And we cannot overlook the singing theory, which finds its roots in the observations of Charles Darwin and suggests that human language may have originated from melodic vocalizations used for courtship and socialization, a kind of ancestral song. A crucial aspect in the study of language origins is the concept of proto-language, a hypothetical primitive language from which all modern languages would have evolved. Research on proto-languages relies on comparative methods, analyzing similarities and differences between existing languages to reconstruct the characteristics of ancient languages. Proto-Indo-European, for example, is a reconstructed proto-language believed to have been spoken by an ancestral population that lived between 4500 and 2500 BC in the Eurasian steppes. Although there are no direct written records of this language, linguists, with dedication and rigor, have reconstructed its phonology, morphology, and vocabulary through the comparative method. In recent years, genetic technologies and cognitive sciences have opened new perspectives in the study of language origins. The discovery of genetic traces related to linguistic capacity, such as the FOXP2 gene, suggests that language may have a biological basis and that its evolution is closely linked to the development of the human brain. Moreover, research on indigenous populations and their unique languages provides new insights into linguistic diversity and cultural transmission of language. Undocumented languages, spoken by isolated tribes in the Amazon or Papua New Guinea, represent a valuable source of information for understanding the roots of human language. Although the origins of language remain largely an enigma, the progress of linguistic, genetic, and cognitive sciences provides new tools and perspectives to approach this fascinating question. Language, with its complexity and ability to evolve and adapt, continues to be one of the most extraordinary aspects of our human nature. The relentless pursuit of knowledge and the hope of unveiling the secrets of language and our cultural and biological origins represent an open window to understanding what makes us human.

Now, turning our gaze to a remote and legendary time, we can imagine the cosmic Eden, the primordial galaxy from which life originated. In this mystical scenario, communication could have evolved in extraordinary ways, influenced by the particular environmental conditions and the life forms present. It is fascinating to hypothesize that, in this galactic Eden, telepathy and mental connection were the main modes of communication, allowing direct and immediate transmission of thoughts, emotions, and intentions between creatures. Non-verbal communication would have reached levels of depth and clarity unimaginable to us humans, with an empathetic and intuitive understanding far surpassing our current capabilities. Another form of communication might have been based on the emission and perception of colors and lights, where each shade and intensity represented different concepts and feelings. Creatures could have emitted light impulses that changed color and frequency to express complex thoughts and moods, creating an extraordinarily rich and articulated visual language. Furthermore, vibrations and sound waves might have played a central role in communication, with creatures sending and receiving sound waves at different frequencies to transmit detailed information, similar to a complex musical language. In this primordial context, communication would not have been merely a means of information transmission but also an expression of culture and spirituality, reflecting the values, beliefs, and deep connections among life forms. The modes of communication would have embodied the beauty and complexity of the original universe, transcending physical and linguistic barriers to evolve into extraordinary forms. This exploration of the galactic Eden offers us a fascinating journey into the possible origins of communication and life itself, stimulating our imagination and enriching our understanding of what makes us human.

Eleazar