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Questions and Answers
What sets human language apart from animals?
What sets human language apart from animals?
- The use of sign language instead of vocal modality
- The lack of evolution in language over generations
- The ability to express thoughts and convey complex information (correct)
- The capacity to communicate about immediate issues like food and danger
What does the text suggest about the origin of human language?
What does the text suggest about the origin of human language?
- It remained stagnant with no evolution over millions of years.
- It originated from sign language and later transitioned to vocal modality.
- It began as simple grunts, hoots, and cries before evolving into complex language. (correct)
- It developed independently in various parts of the world.
How did the evolution of language differ between apes and hominids?
How did the evolution of language differ between apes and hominids?
- Hominids' brains grew larger while apes' brain size remained the same. (correct)
- Both apes and hominids experienced the same brain growth.
- Ape's brain size grew smaller while hominids remained stagnant.
- Ape's brains grew larger while hominids' brain size remained the same.
How do languages evolve over generations according to the text?
How do languages evolve over generations according to the text?
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Study Notes
- Language is a unique characteristic of humans, distinguishing us from other animals.
- Human language allows for the expression of thoughts, conveyance of information, and the ability to ask questions and give orders.
- Animals, on the other hand, can only communicate about immediate issues, such as food, danger, or reconciliation.
- One theory suggests that human language began as simple grunts, hoots, and cries, gradually developing into the complex language we use today.
- However, this didn't happen with apes, as their brain size remained the same while hominids' brains grew larger over millions of years.
- Another theory proposes that language started as sign language and later transitioned to vocal modality.
- Some argue that language developed independently in various parts of the world.
- However, a recent study indicates that all languages evolved from one prehistoric language spoken in Africa tens of thousands of years ago.
- Languages change over generations due to cultural shifts and influence from other languages.
- English spoken during the Elizabethan Era is vastly different from modern English.
- The evolution of language is an ongoing topic of research among linguists, psychologists, and biologists.
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