Early human ancestors started using spoken language several million years ago. Language is a system that people use to communicate, or share information. Every language has several types of words. The Europeans who came to the Americas hundreds of years ago are one example. One language may borrow words from another language. These handy devices were first called "cellular phones." Nouns represent people, places, things and ideas. Early human ancestors started using spoken language several million years ago. Other forms of language, however, must be taught. Humans are born with the ability to understand language. It made it possible for human societies to develop. Humans are born with the ability to understand language. These handy devices were first called "cellular phones." Languages often blur together. They do this by listening to other people s speech.