CONFERENCE New Perspectives in Anthropology and Evolution 23 Evolution and Diversity of Human Language from Prehistory to Modernity Description: In the context of this conference, Professor Giorgio Manzi presents an in-depth study on the intersections between neuroscience and cognitive psychology in understanding the mechanisms of human learning. Through the analysis of recent publications and research, the talk aims to outline how the human brain processes and memorizes new information, and how these processes influence behavior and cognition. The presentation aims to investigate the latest discoveries and controversies in the field of cognitive neuroscience, offering innovative and critical insights regarding future directions of research on human learning and memory. The focal points of the presentation include: Unique Human Communication: Giorgio Manzi begins by highlighting the uniqueness of human language and communication in the animal kingdom, noting its complexity and the organized semantic elements that distinguish it from other forms of communication in nature. Fossil Records and Human Evolution: Discusses the challenges and limitations of studying human evolution through the fossil record, highlighting the reliance on skeletal remains and teeth as primary sources of information, despite their limited ability to provide a complete picture of our ancestors' lives. Advances in Paleoanthropology: The talk touches on significant advances in the field of paleoanthropology over the past two decades, including the impact of paleogenomics and the awarding of a Nobel Prize to Svante Pääbo for his contributions to understanding human evolution through genetic analysis. Speciation and Human Development: Manzi explains the process of speciation and human development, including the divergence from other primates and the evolutionary adaptations that occurred over millions of years, leading to the emergence of Homo sapiens and their unique characteristics compared to other species. Social Structure and Evolution of Human Cognition: Finally, it explores the role of social structures, sexual selection and the development of complex social relationships in the evolution of human cognition, including the expansion of the human brain and the origins of language, suggesting that these elements were crucial for the survival and success of Homo sapiens. *** The Institute of Human Paleontology in collaboration with the Italian Institute of Anthropology and the University of Trento and thanks to the contribution of the Directorate-General for Education, Research and Cultural Institutes has organized the conference “Evolution and Diversity of Human Language from Prehistory to Modernity” as part of the cycle “New Perspectives in Anthropology and Evolution”. Session 1 – Friday 15th from 9.00 Andrea Parravicini (Unimi) Carlo Brentari (Unitn) Session 2 – Friday 15th from 15.30 Giorgio Manzi (Uniroma1) Giovanni Destro Bisol (Uniroma1) Stefano Grimaldi (Unitn) Session 3 – Saturday 16th from 9.00 Luigi Rizzi (Unisi/Collège de France) Federica Ricci Garotti (Unitn) Birgit Alber (Unibz) Ermenegildo Bidese (Unitn)