Neanderthal Speech

Abstract

The recent reconstruction of the Neanderthal vocal tract (See LLBA V/2, p. 1305.), leading to the view that the phonetic abilities of Neanderthal were significantly different from humans today, is in error. The key to the reconstruction of the vocal tract of the "old man" of La Chapelle-aux-Saints (the only Neanderthal reported) is the styloid process; its long axis points to the hyoid bone, to which it is attached by the stylohyoid ligament. The larynx lies immediately beneath the hyoid; its location makes possible the reconstruction of the supralaryngeal tract. The styloid inclination in the reconstruction is erroneous and leads to an unwarranted determination of this Neanderthal's vocal tract shape. A different styloid inclination, hence location of the hyoid and larynx and reconstruction of vocal tract shape plausibly more similar to man's today, is indicated. AA