* The Neolithic Period was long and vast: The Neolithic period lasted from around 10,000 to 2,000 BCE and spanned across the globe. Different groups of people lived in different regions, likely speaking different languages.
* Limited written records: Most Neolithic cultures were pre-literate, meaning they didn't have a writing system. The few exceptions (like the early Sumerians) don't provide enough information about languages spoken by other groups.
* Language evolution: Languages constantly evolve over time. The languages spoken in the Neolithic period would be vastly different from any languages spoken today.
What we can do:
* Linguistic reconstruction: Linguists use comparative methods to reconstruct ancient languages by comparing modern languages that share common ancestry. This can give us insights into the possible language families of the Neolithic period.
* Archaeological evidence: Some archaeological evidence, like the location of settlements, trade routes, and the spread of agricultural practices, can hint at the possible movement of peoples and languages.
In conclusion: While we can't know for sure what language the Neolithic people spoke, ongoing research in linguistics and archaeology continues to shed light on the complex linguistic history of this era.