Researchers at the University of Iowa Health Care have identified specific genetic sequences that significantly influence human language abilities. In a study published in Nature Communications on April 22, 2026, they found that these sequences were already present in Neanderthals, indicating that the genetic basis for language evolved before modern humans and Neanderthals diverged, around 600,000 years ago.
The team, led by Dr. Sarah Johnson, analyzed genomic data from over 50,000 individuals and compared it with Neanderthal DNA from the Altai Mountains. They pinpointed variants in the FOXP2 and CNTNAP2 genes that are strongly associated with language processing. These variants were found in both modern humans and Neanderthals, but not in Denisovans, another ancient hominin group.
βThis suggests that the capacity for complex language may have been present in our common ancestor with Neanderthals,β said Dr. Johnson in a press release. βIt challenges the idea that language was a uniquely modern human trait.β The study also found that these genetic variants are linked to brain regions involved in speech production and comprehension, as shown by functional MRI scans.
The findings have implications for understanding language disorders such as specific language impairment (SLI) and autism spectrum disorder, which often involve difficulties with communication. The researchers hope that further study of these ancient genetic sequences could lead to new therapies.
