Misapprehensions about the origins of language Flashcards
What are the five theories of why apes do not speak?
- Language was a necessary outcome of evolution.
- Evolution towards language was slow and gradual.
- The language was an outcome of intelligence.
- That in the beginning was the word (Language before intelligence).
- That language is a vestige of past evolution.
What are the claims made to back up the theory: Language as necessary outcome of evolution?
- “Evolution favours solutions which are advantageous for survival” - language is the evolutionary solution.
- Language provides an evolutionary advantage - language developed through
evolution.
What are the misapprehensions of the evolutionary theory?
- This theory does not explain why only humans developed language.
What are the five virtues of language?
- Share our experiences
- Share our knowledge of the world
- Share our technological expertise
- We can undertake coordinated and collective endeavours
- And settle disagreement
What are the claims made to back up the theory: Evolution towards language was slow & gradual.
- According to evolution, there must have been selection pressure towards any
change in the communication system used by hominids that could bring it closer
to language as we know it - Evolution is a slow process
- ‘other species will catch up’ → but there is no evidence that they are
- From evolutionary perspective: will only develop it if they need it
➢ But they have no need for it…
what are the misapprehensions of: Evolution towards language was slow & gradual.
No other species show any signs of evolving language.
What are the claims made to back up the theory: Language as an outcome of intelligence
- Evolution would not have created any system of communication akin to language
in other species for the simple reason that no other species had been able to reach
the degree of intelligence achieved by our hominid ancestors - Difficult to imagine intelligence without language
- Intelligence seems as though it should come with the need to communicate →
individuals who have reached a particular degree of understanding will realize the
usefulness of bringing ideas together
what are the misapprehensions of: Language as outcome of intelligence?
Acquisition of language does not wait for intelligence (children age 4-5
speak; cognitively handicapped speak as well)
What are the claims made to back up the theory: In the beginning was the word (Language before intelligence).
- Some academics see language as instrumental in the development of the brain, in
turning our species from animal to human - Suggests humans have inherent fascination with meaning and assigning meaning
what are the misapprehensions of: In the beginning was the word (Language before intelligence).
Still does not explain the origin of language
What are the claims made to back up the theory: Language is a vestige of past evolution (Language happened while humans were doing
other things).
- Language emerged for a precise purpose
- Evolution → take on increasingly complex projects, therefore the ability to
communicate was valuable - Language developed parallel to the projects
Question for - Language is a vestige of past evolution (Language happened while humans were doing
other things): If they developed it, why did they not gain an evolutionary advantage?
Author argues: must’ve been something specific that sapiens did to have
developed it (a specific activity/project).
what are the misapprehensions of: Language is a vestige of past evolution (Language happened while humans were doing
other things)?
Firstly, it does not explain why we alone have language when other species also did tasks. Secondly, it does not give a specific task that would have sparked language.
