What came first, language or speech?

Answer 1

speech came first as
Speech can be described as an act of producing voice through the use of the vocal cords and vocal apparatus or other means, such as sign language, to create linguistic acts in the form of language that communicate information from an initiator to a recipient.

In more colloquial terms, speech can be described in several different ways:

A linguistic act designed to convey information.
Various types of linguistic acts where the audience consists of more than one individual, including public speaking, oration, and quotation.
The physical act of speaking, primarily through the use of vocal cords to produce voice. See phonology and linguistics for more detailed information on the physical act of speaking.
However, speech can also take place inside one's head, known as intrapersonal communication, for example, when one thinks or utters sounds of approval or disapproval. At a deeper level, one could even consider subconscious processes, including dreams where aspects of oneself communicate with each other (see Sigmund Freud), as part of intrapersonal communication, even though most human beings do not seem to have direct access to such communication.

language·
Communication of thoughts and feelings through a system of arbitrary signals, such as voice sounds, gestures, or written symbols.
Such a system including its rules for combining its components, such as words.
Such a system as used by a nation, people, or other distinct community; often contrasted with dialect.

A system of signs, symbols, gestures, or rules used in communicating: the language of algebra.
Computer Science A system of symbols and rules used for communication with or between computers.
Body language; kinesics.
The special vocabulary and usages of a scientific, professional, or other group: "his total mastery of screen languagecamera placement, editingand his handling of actors" (Jack Kroll).
A characteristic style of speech or writing: Shakespearean language.
A particular manner of expression: profane language; persuasive language.
The manner or means of communication between living creatures other than humans: the language of dolphins.
Verbal communication as a subject of study.
The wording of a legal document or statute as distinct from the spirit.

Answer 2

Language

Answer 3

What came first the chicken or the egg? The answer is what you believe. In all truth, though, they have both always existed. If it can be thought of past, present, and future, then it has always existed in essence, both Plato and Aristotle where right. This question is the same thing.
They both came first in universal truth, but what came first will always be dependent upon our own beliefs in the physical world of definitions. Still language is speech from a collective perspective. When people drew pictures on walls about great hunts, those pictures were a mental form of speech. A person does not have to talk to speak and those pictures on the wall were the first form of written language; after all, body language is the first form of speech. Both seek to describe our world and define it, ultimately shaping it inside a nice little box.

Answer 4

Language - before humans could speak they would have communicated via other means. For example by using noises and actions and expressions. Art is also a form of language that does not require speech.

Answer 5

speech ofcourse.

Language needs words which can be written read & spoken - unless you are talking about communication which canbe any form of "getting the message across".
The speech which is assumed to be grunts and huffs in the beginning eventually evolved into definite words.

In the Indian Language S is more on the pleasant things and D on the more unpleasant things.

M is the first letter or the main consonant for Mother in almost every human language.

BIFFTIFUL isn't it?

Answer 6

It has to be speech... and then the matching sounds of speech were mutually understood with a designated meaning, and words and language came in. It has to be so , logically .

Answer 7

Speech would have to come first before language can be established.

Answer 8

It would be logical for me to believe speech came first, it evolved
into language.

Answer 9

Speech. You learn language through being able to speak.

Answer 10

Look at a human baby. It begins to make sounds long before they have any meaning and long before it understands any language. Its development mirrors the human evolution in this respect. Our ancestors were capable of making sounds (speech) long before they could use them for communication.

BTW, don't be fooled by Anupa's cut-and-paste nonsense...

Answer 11

Speech, as you can get across an idea, even if it is just a series of grunts, although language is not that far behind