The Origins of Language PDF

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Linguistics 1: The Origins of Language
Notes from Yule...

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The Origins of Language

1) The  Natural Sound Source Theories Words arise from natural sounds (onomatopoeia) and primitive words would have been imitations of the natural sounds (cuckoo, rattle, hiss). Disproved because it cannot describe soundless words (snow) or abstract concepts (loneliness).

2) The  Social Interaction Source Language source from early sounds (grunts, hums) used to communicate in the living community when people are doing heavy lifts and such may have developed into early words. Disproved because other primates (like apes) have not developed speech while still living in a community. Mirror Neurons: Mirror neurons fire when we perform certain actions, but they also fire when we observe others performing that action - facilitate our ability to imitate others.

3) The  Physical Adaptation Theory 1. Teeth upright - not leaning outwards, sounds like (f, v) 2. Lip muscles are intricate - flexible enough for sounds like (p, b, m) → first baby sounds 3. Mouth - smaller, can be opened and closer to make more sounds 4. Tongue - shorter, muscular to shape sounds 5. Lower larynx and longer pharynx - act as resonators for increased range of sounds All together that makes human physics more adapted to create a language.

4) The Tool Making Theory The specialised functions are located in the two hemispheres of the brain. Complex vocalisation and object manipulation are located closely in the left hemisphere and are consequently interconnected. The ability to put two rocks together to make a spade may be the same ability to put sounds together to create a new tool - language.

5) The Genetic Source It is thought that a crucial mutation that took place over a short period caused a genetic change that made it possible for humans to create a language.

The Origins of Language

6) The  Divine Source In most religions a divine source provides humans with language. Disproved because if language had a divine source, children that grew up without contact to human language should have it automatically (but they do not).

General Views Continuity

Discontinuity

As language developed, it developed to improve gradually (hums → talking).

We had no language and then due to a mutant gene, suddenly language developed.

Monogenesis

Polygenesis

Languages originated from a single source and then diverged.

Languages developed independently in different places at different periods.

Gradualism

Punctuated Equilibrium

Large changes are actually the culmination of very small changes that build up over time.

Period generally stable, then a small change, then a stable period again.

Study Questions 1. Name three theories about the origin of language and explain them. 2. Define and explain the following theories about the origins (sources) of human language: the natural sound source; the social interaction source; the physical adaptation source and the tool making source....