Before the Tower of Babel was destroyed was there actually only one language?

Or were there many languages with many dialects? If we study the words used in this story will we find that what went on was a great argument over the design of such a monolith that forever gave way to dissension in the ranks of men and government? Could it be that prior to this occurrence, we humans had a greater understanding of one another? That every time a nation disagrees with the way another nation and its people are behaving it is because of something we gave up long ago?