There are many theories of the origin of language from continuity and discontinuity approach to universal grammar and bioprogram. All theories of language have in common is the underlying assumption of an innate mechanism, which shapes language acquisition or a universal language.

Continuity approach (nature) claims that language is too complex to hae evolved without any precursors.

Discontinuity approach (nuture) argues that language is unique to humans with no precursors amon non-human animal communication systems.

Universal language theory is the 'poverty of stimulus' argument that states there is insufficient information in the world to make language learning possible, therefore language must be genetically specified.
(SIT:TOL)

So how did humans acquire language? Where did it come from? Who were the first to speak a language? For these answers we must explore the four components of Neal Stephenson's book Snow Crash. As stated before he compiles a plausible answer to where language originated but lets look at what the experts say about the subject.

Noam Chomsky's Universal Grammar
Derek Bickerton's Bioprogram
Stephen Pinker's Theory
Brain Theory