Neanderthals had a spoken language?

[Parson]

Paabo's proven that Neanderthals were quite capable of speech and that they probably had vocabularies of 1000 to 2000 words. Further, Paabo was the person that proved that all non-African humans have 1-2.5% Neanderthal DNA.

I'm not sure how you could scientifically "prove" these assumptions. The most I believe that can honestly be said is that "It is extremely likely that ....." without actually meeting a living Neanderthal.

 

[R.T James]

]without actually meeting a living Neanderthal.

I don't know I'm pretty certain I met a few in the cities.

 

[Dave]

I know they can prove the "gene" part. They have DNA from Neanderthal bones they can match with living homo sapiens. They also know which gene sequences are responsible for the part of the brain controlling speech or understanding language, or for jaw bone growth. None of that "proves" Neanderthals spoke, but you have to ask the question, why did they develop the capability if they never used it? I like my idea that they developed singing before speech. I can't prove it though it seems likely.

 

[Cathbad]

I like my idea that they developed singing before speech

This is most likely. Speech would only have become necessary as smaller groups started to associate with each other. In larger groups, spoken language becomes easier than written or sign.

 

[Stephen Palmer]

I know they can prove the "gene" part. They have DNA from Neanderthal bones they can match with living homo sapiens. They also know which gene sequences are responsible for the part of the brain controlling speech or understanding language, or for jaw bone growth. None of that "proves" Neanderthals spoke, but you have to ask the question, why did they develop the capability if they never used it? I like my idea that they developed singing before speech. I can't prove it though it seems likely.

Dave , check out The Singing Neanderthals (Mithen)