Neanderthal Language
Demystifying the Linguistic Powers of our Extinct Cousins

By appraising controversial inferences from prehistorians and other scientists, the book addresses the fascinating question of whether Neanderthals had language.

Rudolf Botha (Author)

9781108491327, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 21 May 2020

220 pages
23.5 x 15.8 x 1.5 cm, 0.47 kg

'… a paradigm shift for anthropologists, this book challenges the faulty reasoning that has led to over-generous or specious conclusions about Neanderthals' language capabilities. A tour de force in logic, it should be mandatory reading for anyone who is interested in in such discussions.' Frederick L. Coolidge, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Did Neanderthals have language, and if so, what was it like? Scientists agree overall that the behaviour and cognition of Neanderthals resemble that of early modern humans in important ways. However, the existence and nature of Neanderthal language remains a controversial topic. The first in-depth treatment of this intriguing subject, this book comes to the unique conclusion that, collective hunting is a better window on Neanderthal language than other behaviours. It argues that Neanderthal hunters employed linguistic signs akin to those of modern language, but lacked complex grammar. Rudolf Botha unpacks and appraises important inferences drawn by researchers working in relevant branches of archaeology and other prehistorical fields, and uses a large range of multidisciplinary literature to bolster his arguments. An important contribution to this lively field, this book will become a landmark book for students and scholars alike, in essence, illuminating Neanderthals' linguistic powers.

Part I. Preliminaries: 1. Pursuing an intriguing but murky matter
2. Telltale Neanderthal teeth
Part II. Symbolic behaviours: 3. Making and wearing personal ornaments
4. Producing cave art
5. Beautifying bodies
6. Burying the dead
7. Leaping to language
Part III. Non-symbolic behaviours: 8. Making stone tools
9. Teaching stone-tool making
10. Hunting big game
Part IV. Implications: 11. Dispersing the murk
Notes
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Social & cultural anthropology, ethnography [JHMC], Language [C]