8. Evolution of Language

Question 1

What makes language different from other methods of communication?

Answer 1

It is an open-ended system (can communicate lots or little)
We have grammatical structure (e.g. tenses), syntax
Symbolic
Transmitted by various means (speech, words, other symbols)
Involves vast vocabulary of words (50,000)
Flexible

Question 2

Symbolism: three categories of referential associations

Answer 2

1. Icon (similarity between sign and object)
2. Index (some connection between sign and object)
3. Symbol (agreed and abstract connection between sign and object)

Question 3

Deacon (1997) on symbolic thought

Answer 3

Deacon (1997) believed symbolic thought was vital in the evolution of language

Question 4

Why is language important?

Answer 4

Allows transfer of information between individuals
Unlimited scope and reach
Efficient (lots in info communicated quickly)
Different media can be used (e.g. speech, written text)
Clear rules - easy to understand

Question 5

How does language develop in children? Skinner (1957)

Answer 5

A consequence of current environment and behavioural and sensory history (e.g. parents praise children for speaking)

Question 6

Chomsky (1959): Why can’t behavioural principles be applied to human language?

Answer 6

> The rapid growth of language in infants
Ability to use complex grammatical rules
The unlimited + universal creativity in language use

Question 7

Language Acquisition Device: Chomsky

Answer 7

Children must have an innate ability to understand grammatical rules

Question 8

How do children use Language Acquisition Device?

Answer 8

To understand the syntactic properties of their parents’ language

Question 9

When does Language Acquisition Device occur?

Answer 9

When child is incapable of complex intellectual abilities - independent of intelligence

Question 10

Language Acquisition Device: evidence of rules

Answer 10

Children over-regularise rules to irregular verbs e.g. “I thinked so”

Question 11

What is Pidgin?

Answer 11

A simplified language used by speakers of native languages who are in prolonged contact

Question 12

Antillean Creole

Answer 12

Based on French, with elements of Carib & African languages e.g. “bonjou” = “good morning”

Question 13

TRUE OR FALSE: The ability to add grammatical structure is hardwired into our brains.

Answer 13

True

Question 14

How does Chomsky attack the Standard Social Science Model?

Answer 14

Human nature is shaped by culture and environment

Question 15

Why is Chomsky sceptical of Darwinian evolution in explaining language?

Answer 15

Language is the by-product of other adaptive traits

Question 16

Gould (1987)

Answer 16

Language is a side effect of brain growth, shaped by unknown laws of growth and form