The "whole earth" in Genesis 11:1-9 is described as being "of one language and of one speech." This suggests that at this point in history, humanity was still relatively unified, and had not yet become divided by different languages and cultures. The whole earth is described as being connected by a common language. This is significant because it means that people were able to communicate with each other and understand each other. It also meant that they were able to know what God was saying to them. This was a time when people were able to be in unity with each other and with God.