Podcast
Questions and Answers
What conclusion did Psammetichus reach after isolating two newborns?
What conclusion did Psammetichus reach after isolating two newborns?
- Phrygian was the original language. (correct)
- They spoke a dialect of Arabic.
- Language is instinctive and does not require exposure.
- The babies spoke an unknown language.
What effect did isolation have on the children observed by Akbar the Great?
What effect did isolation have on the children observed by Akbar the Great?
- They developed a unique language.
- They exhibited advanced linguistic skills.
- They did not develop any language. (correct)
- They spoke fluently in multiple languages.
Which of the following best supports the claim that language is learned through interaction?
Which of the following best supports the claim that language is learned through interaction?
- Victor of Aveyron lacked language development. (correct)
- Sarasvati is credited with creating a new language.
- Genie developed language quickly after exposure.
- Children who were not isolated spoke fluently.
What role does the biblical tradition play in the origins of language?
What role does the biblical tradition play in the origins of language?
What does the story of the Tower of Babel suggest about the concept of a divine language?
What does the story of the Tower of Babel suggest about the concept of a divine language?
What does the Bow-Wow Theory primarily emphasize as the origin of language?
What does the Bow-Wow Theory primarily emphasize as the origin of language?
Which of the following best describes a potential flaw in the Pooh-Pooh Theory?
Which of the following best describes a potential flaw in the Pooh-Pooh Theory?
Which example best illustrates an onomatopoeia in relation to the Bow-Wow Theory?
Which example best illustrates an onomatopoeia in relation to the Bow-Wow Theory?
What kind of sounds does the Pooh-Pooh Theory attribute to the beginnings of language?
What kind of sounds does the Pooh-Pooh Theory attribute to the beginnings of language?
How does the existence of exhalation in spoken language challenge the Pooh-Pooh Theory?
How does the existence of exhalation in spoken language challenge the Pooh-Pooh Theory?
Flashcards
Origin of language (religions)
Origin of language (religions)
Most religions believe a divine being (e.g., God, Sarasvati) created language.
Early language experiments
Early language experiments
Historical attempts to find original language by isolating people.
Psammetichus's experiment
Psammetichus's experiment
Egyptian pharaoh isolated children, supposedly finding Phrygian as the original language.
Language development (true)
Language development (true)
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Victor of Aveyron / Genie
Victor of Aveyron / Genie
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Bow-Wow Theory
Bow-Wow Theory
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Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia
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Pooh-Pooh Theory
Pooh-Pooh Theory
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Emotional Sounds
Emotional Sounds
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Limitations of Pooh-Pooh Theory
Limitations of Pooh-Pooh Theory
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Study Notes
Divine Source of Language
- Biblical tradition credits God with creating Adam and naming every living creature.
- Hindu tradition credits Sarasvati, wife of Brahma, with bringing language to humanity.
Experiments on Language Acquisition
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Psammetichus, an Egyptian pharaoh, isolated two newborn babies for two years to observe language acquisition.
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Reportedly, the children uttered a Phrygian word, "bekos," meaning "bread".
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King James IV of Scotland similarly isolated children, who allegedly spoke Hebrew.
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Mogul emperor Akbar the Great also isolated children, but they produced no speech.
The Case Against Spontaneous Language
- These experiments demonstrate that language acquisition is not spontaneous but reliant on exposure to language.
- Wild and isolated children, like Victor of Aveyron and Genie, exemplify this.
- These cases suggest the lack of evidence for spontaneous emergence of language.
Original Language Theory
- The idea that humans may have a "divine source" of language is reflected in many religions.
- The book of Genesis describes a situation where human language was confused, in the city of Babel.
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