The spelling of "neolithic man" can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Starting with "neolithic," the "n" is pronounced as a voiced alveolar nasal /n/, while the "eo" is pronounced as a diphthong /iːə/. The "l" is then pronounced as an alveolar lateral approximant /l/, followed by the "i" pronounced as a high front unrounded vowel /ɪ/. Finally, "thic" is pronounced with a voiced interdental fricative /ð/ and an unvoiced post-alveolar affricate /tʃ/. For "man," the "ma" is pronounced with a voiced bilabial nasal /m/, and the "n" is pronounced as before.
Neolithic man refers to the early humans who lived during the Neolithic period, also known as the New Stone Age, which lasted approximately from 10,000 BCE to 2,000 BCE. This era was characterized by the transition from hunting and gathering to settled agricultural communities. Neolithic man marked a significant advancement in human development, as it witnessed the development and rise of agriculture, animal domestication, and the establishment of permanent settlements.
During the Neolithic period, humans began to cultivate plants, such as wheat and barley, and raise domesticated animals like sheep, goats, and cows. This shift from a nomadic lifestyle to settled farming allowed for more stable food production, surplus generation, and the development of complex societal structures. Neolithic man also witnessed the progress of technology, such as the invention of pottery, polished stone tools, and the weaving of textiles.
Furthermore, the rise of agricultural communities led to the emergence of social hierarchies, the division of labor, and the creation of more sophisticated forms of governance. These changes led to the construction of permanent dwellings, the establishment of trade networks, and the development of early forms of art, religion, and cultural practices.
In summary, Neolithic man refers to the early humans who lived during the Neolithic period, and they were characterized by their shift from a nomadic lifestyle to settled farming communities, the domestication of plants and animals, the development of technology, and the establishment of more complex societal structures.
The word "neolithic" is derived from two Greek words: "neo" meaning "new" or "recent" and "lithos" meaning "stone". The term "neolithic" was coined in the late 19th century by British archaeologist and geologist Sir John Lubbock to describe a new period in human history characterized by the use of polished stone tools.
The word "man" comes from the Old English word "mann" and is ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic word "mannaz". The term generally refers to human beings, both genders, and is used in this context to refer to Homo sapiens during the neolithic period.