Computer modeling of a Neanderthal's hyoid bone -- a horseshoe-shaped structure in the neck -- suggest that they may have communicated by speaking.
The analysis conducted at the University of New South Wales shows that Neanderthals used their hyoid bone much like humans do. The location and shape of hyoid bone are crucial to speech as it supports the root of the tongue; its alternate positioning in non-humans makes other species unable to speak.
"We would argue that this is a very significant step forward. It shows that the Kebara 2 hyoid doesn't just look like those of modern humans -- it was used in a very similar way," said Stephen Wroe of the University of New South Wales.
The researchers used 3D X-ray imaging and mechanical modeling to build a model that allowed them to see how the hyoid worked in relation to surrounding bones.
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It was widely believed that complex language and speech did not evolve until about 100,000 years ago, making it a unique characteristic of modern humans. But the discovery of the hyoid fossil in 1989 in in the Kebara Cave in Israel changed that perception.
Wroe and his team are yet to analyze older hyoid bones, some of which are over 500,000 years old, and could possibly push back the date for when complex speech was used.
Wroe is also quick to point out that their analysis, which is published in PLOS ONE, may not be accepted as proof that Neanderthals spoke.
"We were very careful not to suggest that we had proven anything beyond doubt -- but I do think it will help to convince a good number of specialists and tip the weight of opinion," he said.
[BBC] [PLOS ONE]
