One of the earliest pieces of evidence for language use among early hominids is the presence of stone tools. The oldest known stone tools date back to around 2.6 million years ago and were made by Homo habilis. These tools were simple, consisting of a few chips knocked off a larger stone to create a sharp edge. However, they were still effective for cutting meat, scraping animal hides, and breaking open nuts. The presence of stone tools suggests that early hominids were able to plan ahead and anticipate their needs, which is a cognitive skill that is often associated with language.
Fossil remains
Fossil remains of early hominids also provide evidence for language use. For example, the skull of Homo erectus, which lived between 1.8 and 1.4 million years ago, shows that it had a larger vocal tract than earlier hominids. This larger vocal tract would have allowed Homo erectus to produce a wider range of sounds, which is necessary for language.
Genetic evidence
Genetic evidence also supports the theory that early hominids were capable of language. A study of the FOXP2 gene, which is associated with speech and language, has shown that this gene is present in all modern humans and Neanderthals, but not in chimpanzees or other primates. This suggests that the FOXP2 gene evolved in the common ancestor of humans and Neanderthals, and that it was essential for the development of language.
Archaeological evidence
Archaeological evidence also provides some clues about the origins of language. For example, the discovery of cave paintings and other works of art from the Upper Paleolithic period (around 40,000 to 10,000 years ago) suggests that early humans were capable of symbolic thought and communication.