Humans are the only species known to use fully symbolic language: a system capable of expressing abstract ideas, imaginary worlds and endless combinations of meaning. But how did we get there? The ...

Corrections & clarifications: An earlier version of this story contained inaccurate or incomplete facts about the history of language. Language is an essential part of human communication, allowing ...

In Ecuador’s highlands, a seamless mix of Kichwa and Spanish creates a language that bends grammar, adds melody and goes ...

Language forms the backbone of communal existence. It doesn't take long to discover this if you've ever traveled to a place where you don't speak the language. "Where is the nearest bathroom?", "How ...

J.R.R. Tolkien never visited Finland, but as a lexicographer and philologist, the Finnish language fascinated him. Not only did Tolkien adapt a tale from the Elias Lönnrot's Karelian's "The Kalevala" ...

Lakota, a Siouan language, currently holds an EGIDS level of 6b (threatened). Interestingly enough, Lakota is very well documented but is still losing speakers. The number of first language Lakota ...

Bringing with them the languages of their homelands, immigrants newly arrived by ship at Ellis Island await official processing and approval to reach their destination—New York City, already in sight.