How language began: the story of humanity's greatest invention

Introduction

Part one: The first hominins; 1. Rise of the hominins

2. The fossil hunters

3. The Hominins depart

4. Everyone speaks languages of signs

Part two: Human biological adaptations for language; 5. Humans get a better brain

6. How the brain makes language possible

7. When the brain goes wrong

8. Talking with tongues

Part three: The evolution of language form; 9. Where grammar came from

10. Talking with the hands

11. Just good enough

Part four: Cultural evolution of language; 12. Communities and communication

Conclusion.