Communication:
* Limited communication: Humans would rely heavily on non-verbal cues like gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Communication would be very basic, focusing on immediate needs and emotions.
* No shared history: Without language, it would be impossible to record, share, and pass down knowledge and history. Each generation would start anew, unable to learn from the past.
* Lack of abstract thought: Language is crucial for abstract thought, complex ideas, and symbolism. Without it, our capacity for higher-level thinking would be severely limited.
Society:
* Smaller, less complex societies: The ability to cooperate and build complex societies would be significantly hindered without a shared language.
* Limited development of arts and culture: Art, literature, music, and other forms of cultural expression rely heavily on language. Without it, these would likely be extremely rudimentary.
* Increased reliance on instinct and immediate needs: Without the ability to plan for the future or understand complex concepts, life would be focused on surviving the present.
Individual Impact:
* Difficulty forming relationships: Strong bonds and deep understanding between individuals would be challenging to build without language.
* Limited capacity for self-reflection: Language allows us to think about ourselves, our past, and our future. Without it, our capacity for introspection would be significantly reduced.
* Loss of individual identity: Without a language to express our thoughts and experiences, a sense of individual identity might be very difficult to develop.
The Upside:
* Increased reliance on senses and intuition: With a diminished emphasis on language, senses like sight, smell, and hearing might be more acute, and humans could develop a stronger connection with the natural world.
* Greater emphasis on physical interaction: Communication would likely be more direct and physical, fostering a stronger sense of community and connection.
In conclusion: A world without language would be a vastly different place. Human society would be simpler, more primitive, and focused on immediate needs. While there might be some advantages, the loss of complex thought, communication, and cultural expression would be profound.