Final answer:
Neandertals may have been capable of spoken language, as indicated by evidence such as the presence of the hyoid bone and the FOXP2 gene. Skepticism remains due to anatomical reconstructions suggesting limitations in their vocal apparatus. The complex behaviors observed in early hominin tool-making also suggest advanced cognitive abilities that could be related to language development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Evidence of Neandertal Spoken Language
The question of whether Neandertals were capable of spoken language has intrigued scientists for years. Some of the key evidence supporting their ability to speak involves anatomical features and genetic findings. One piece of evidence is the presence of the hyoid bone, which is similar to that of modern humans and could have supported the tongue muscles necessary for speech. Additionally, Neandertals possessed the FOXP2 gene, which is associated with language processing and speech in humans. Despite these findings, some scientists remain skeptical about the extent to which Neandertals could have exercised complex speech, due in part to a reconstruction of the Neanderthal throat by cognitive scientist Philip Lieberman, which suggests that their vocal apparatus was not as well-suited for producing the wide range of sounds that modern humans can.
The material culture of hominins like Homo habilis and Homo erectus, includes sophisticated tool-making that hints at advanced cognitive abilities possibly linked to the emergence of language. Language was undoubtedly a powerful tool for modern humans, allowing them to communicate abstract ideas, work more efficiently in groups, and pass on critical information through generations, which likely provided a significant advantage over other species.
Archaeological evidence and linguistic theory have also been used to formulate models suggesting a link between tool invention and the development of language. This evidence is based on the complex cognitive planning required for making tools, which is believed to be connected to the advancements in neural networks necessary for the development of human speech.