What is the scientific definition of "language"?

Question

Animals create sounds and use body language to communicate, and I am sure very early man did the same. At what point does this method of communication actually become language? Is it when a noun and verb are strung together for the first time?

I always find sources like wikipedia lacking. I would like scientific opinions from serious answerers please

Answer 1

The link below may help you.

Answer 2

Even if you're talking about language, in linguistic terms, there isn't one definition of what language is. When I studied Linguistics in college, I remember I saw seven definitions, each of which only covered one aspect of the whole concept. You can think of it as a tool (because you DO things with language, as when you say "Turn on the light" and you make someone do it for you), as a system, as a social phenomenon, etc.

I don't remember all seven definitions, but I remember this: "If you ask what language is, I ask you why do you want to know". According to what's in your mind, you get a different definition.

Answer 3

There is no real "scientific" definition for "language" as there are so many versions of the noun. The "language" of mathematics, for example, as compared to the language of Dolphins. Social language does not mean that language, in and of it's self, has any limiting factor to imply "human language" only.

Answer 4

communicable sound