Nonverbal steps to the origin of language

Abstract

The verbal and nonverbal dimensions of social intelligence are genetically linked. That which is verbal in social intelligence today is based on 15 adaptive, nonverbal steps that led to the origin of gestural and vocal language in genus Homo. Each step worked its way into tissues of the human nervous system. In combination and in synergy, the steps enabled linguistic communication in Homo sapiens. The neuromuscular changes occasioned in each step-and their roles in gestured and spoken language-are herein outlined and explored.