Origin and Evolution of Language

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Questions and Answers

According to Dunbar's Vocal Grooming theory, what primary challenge did early human societies face that led to the development of language?

The need to compete with other species for resources.
The increasing difficulty of maintaining social bonds through physical grooming as group sizes grew. (correct)
The cognitive demands of tool making and usage.
The requirement to develop complex hunting strategies.

How does Chomsky's Universal Grammar explain the relative ease with which children acquire language?

Children learn language through imitation and reinforcement alone.
Children have an innate understanding of the fundamental principles underlying all languages. (correct)
Children possess superior cognitive abilities compared to adults, making language acquisition easier.
Children are explicitly taught language rules by their parents from birth.

What distinguishes Whitney's perspective on the origin of language from theories emphasizing innate language structures?

Whitney highlights the inherent meaningfulness of linguistic symbols, contrasting with theories that view language as arbitrary.
Whitney argues for a divine origin of language, opposing theories grounded in evolutionary processes.
Whitney emphasizes the conventional nature of language and the arbitrary relationship between symbols and their referents. (correct)
Whitney focuses on the genetic basis of language, unlike theories centered on cultural transmission.

What is the central premise of the 'Putting the baby down' hypothesis regarding the origin and evolution of language?

Language development was significantly influenced by the need for mothers to communicate with infants while multitasking. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How might comparative linguistics assist in understanding the evolution of human communication?

By revealing historical relationships between languages and tracing potential origins and changes over time. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the options is the LEAST likely outcome of genetic mutations related to Chomsky's perspective on language?

Enhanced physical strength and agility for hunting and gathering. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of babbling in the context of baby language acquisition?

Babbling represents an infant's initial experimentation with phonemes, exploring sounds that will later form the basis of language. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which evolutionary event provided an advantage in Dunbar's Grooming Theory?

Increase in the size of social groups beyond the capacity for physical grooming. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Considering that genetic mutations rewired the brains of early humans, how does this support Chomsky's Universal Grammar?

It provides a potential explanation for the innate language capabilities proposed by Universal Grammar, indicating a biological basis. (B) Signup and view all the answers

If language did not exist, what would be the most likely substitute for it, according to Dunbar?

Extended periods of physical grooming to maintain social bonds. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Chomsky's Universal Grammar

Humans possess an innate understanding of the basic principles of language structure.

Genetic Mutation of Chomsky

A genetic event may have rewired the brains of early humans, leading to language capabilities.