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Questions and Answers
The theory that language is a result of physical adaptations proposes a sudden, specific genetic change.
The theory that language is a result of physical adaptations proposes a sudden, specific genetic change.
False (B)
The "innateness hypothesis" suggests that language is a result of a single, significant genetic change, not gradual evolution.
The "innateness hypothesis" suggests that language is a result of a single, significant genetic change, not gradual evolution.
True (A)
The innateness hypothesis suggests that language skills are learned, not innate, and are therefore influenced by the environment in which a child is raised.
The innateness hypothesis suggests that language skills are learned, not innate, and are therefore influenced by the environment in which a child is raised.
False (B)
The origins of speech and complex tool manipulation are linked to the left hemisphere of the human brain, which plays a key role in the innateness hypothesis.
The origins of speech and complex tool manipulation are linked to the left hemisphere of the human brain, which plays a key role in the innateness hypothesis.
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The "natural sound" theory suggests that language evolved from mimicking natural sounds, which supports the idea that language is a result of physical adaptations.
The "natural sound" theory suggests that language evolved from mimicking natural sounds, which supports the idea that language is a result of physical adaptations.
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Human teeth are slanted outwards, similar to those of apes.
Human teeth are slanted outwards, similar to those of apes.
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The "bow-wow" theory of language origin states that language developed from sounds made to imitate objects.
The "bow-wow" theory of language origin states that language developed from sounds made to imitate objects.
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Human lips are less flexible than the lips of other primates.
Human lips are less flexible than the lips of other primates.
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According to the "yo-he-ho" theory, language was initially developed to facilitate complex social interactions.
According to the "yo-he-ho" theory, language was initially developed to facilitate complex social interactions.
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The human mouth is relatively larger than the mouths of other primates.
The human mouth is relatively larger than the mouths of other primates.
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The "bow-wow" theory of language origin suggests that human language evolved from mimicking the sounds of objects in the environment.
The "bow-wow" theory of language origin suggests that human language evolved from mimicking the sounds of objects in the environment.
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The physical adaptation source theory attributes language development to the gradual evolution of human physical features, specifically the mouth, larynx, and pharynx.
The physical adaptation source theory attributes language development to the gradual evolution of human physical features, specifically the mouth, larynx, and pharynx.
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The human tongue is thinner, flatter, and less muscular than the tongues of other primates.
The human tongue is thinner, flatter, and less muscular than the tongues of other primates.
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Humans can close off the airway through the nose to create more air pressure for speech production.
Humans can close off the airway through the nose to create more air pressure for speech production.
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The monogenetic theory suggests a single, sudden origin of language. This implies that all languages derived from a common ancestor.
The monogenetic theory suggests a single, sudden origin of language. This implies that all languages derived from a common ancestor.
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The "pooh-pooh" theory proposes that language developed from instinctive sounds humans make in emotional situations.
The "pooh-pooh" theory proposes that language developed from instinctive sounds humans make in emotional situations.
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The "yo-he-ho" theory suggests that the sounds of social interaction when working together led to the development of language.
The "yo-he-ho" theory suggests that the sounds of social interaction when working together led to the development of language.
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The human larynx is positioned higher than the larynx of other primates.
The human larynx is positioned higher than the larynx of other primates.
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The tool-making source theory argues that the evolution of the brain and its capacity for tool-making directly led to the development of language.
The tool-making source theory argues that the evolution of the brain and its capacity for tool-making directly led to the development of language.
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The pharynx, the cavity above the vocal folds, acts as a resonator, leading to a greater range of sounds.
The pharynx, the cavity above the vocal folds, acts as a resonator, leading to a greater range of sounds.
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The "divine source" theory suggests that language was given to humans by a supernatural being.
The "divine source" theory suggests that language was given to humans by a supernatural being.
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The "physical adaptation source" theory suggests that specific physical adaptations in the human mouth and throat allowed for speech development.
The "physical adaptation source" theory suggests that specific physical adaptations in the human mouth and throat allowed for speech development.
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The divine source theory of language posits that language was given to humans by a higher power.
The divine source theory of language posits that language was given to humans by a higher power.
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Humans evolved manual gestures before they developed preferential right-handedness.
Humans evolved manual gestures before they developed preferential right-handedness.
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The "tool-making source" theory proposes that the development of tools and technology led to the emergence of language.
The "tool-making source" theory proposes that the development of tools and technology led to the emergence of language.
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In the Biblical Story of Adam, Adam was able to name all living creatures after God had given him language.
In the Biblical Story of Adam, Adam was able to name all living creatures after God had given him language.
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The "genetic source" theory suggests that the capacity for language is encoded in our genes.
The "genetic source" theory suggests that the capacity for language is encoded in our genes.
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The experiment conducted by King James the Fourth of Scotland involved isolating children from any human contact for several years, and after that time, they could supposedly speak Hebrew fluently.
The experiment conducted by King James the Fourth of Scotland involved isolating children from any human contact for several years, and after that time, they could supposedly speak Hebrew fluently.
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The Egyptian Pharaoh Psammetichus's experiment was designed to prove the existence of the divine source of language by isolating children from any human contact.
The Egyptian Pharaoh Psammetichus's experiment was designed to prove the existence of the divine source of language by isolating children from any human contact.
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Modern languages have no words that resemble natural sounds.
Modern languages have no words that resemble natural sounds.
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The word 'bekos' was determined to be Phrygian, an ancient language spoken in modern Turkey, based on the children's spontaneous utterances after being isolated from human speech.
The word 'bekos' was determined to be Phrygian, an ancient language spoken in modern Turkey, based on the children's spontaneous utterances after being isolated from human speech.
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The divine source theory assumes that humans would spontaneously develop a language if they were raised without exposure to any language.
The divine source theory assumes that humans would spontaneously develop a language if they were raised without exposure to any language.
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The Pharaoh Psammetichus experiment resulted in the children speaking a known language, like Phrygian, rather than a spontaneous language.
The Pharaoh Psammetichus experiment resulted in the children speaking a known language, like Phrygian, rather than a spontaneous language.
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The experiment carried out by King James yielded inconclusive results as the children spontaneously spoke Hebrew.
The experiment carried out by King James yielded inconclusive results as the children spontaneously spoke Hebrew.
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Study Notes
Origins of Language: Divine Source
- Biblical accounts describe God creating Adam and naming all living creatures.
- Hindu tradition credits Sarasvati, Brahma's wife, with the origin of language.
- Ancient Greek historian Herodotus recounts an experiment by Egyptian pharaoh Psammetichus.
- Two infants were isolated and it was reported they voiced Phrygian, a language spoken in Anatolia (present-day Turkey).
- King James IV of Scotland also attempted a similar experiment.
- The children were also reported to have spoken Hebrew.
- The divine source theory suggests language was a gift from a divine source.
- A basic assumption of the theory is that isolated human infants would automatically use the original God-given language.
- Critics point out the lack of evidence and possibility that the children picked sounds up from their surroundings, like the goats.
Origins of Language: Natural Sound Source
- The natural sounds of the environment may have influenced early language.
- The human auditory system starts developing before birth.
- Humans initially might have tried to mimic the sounds they heard around them.
- The "bow-wow" theory is one example. This theory suggests words originated from animal sounds.
- "Pooh-pooh" theory: sounds made in emotional circumstances (e.g., pain screams) evolved into words.
- The idea that early words derived from their sounds exists.
- Modern language contains words that imitate naturally occurring sounds.
Origins of Language: Social Interaction Source
- The "yo-he-ho" theory suggests collaborative physical labor created rhythmic grunts, groans, and other vocalizations.
- Coordination during physical efforts drove the development of the communication.
- Early humans needed to work together.
- Primates in social groups show this need.
- Common sounds were developed during these collaborative efforts.
- Apes and primates have developed rudimentary social calls but lack speech capabilities.
Origins of Language: Physical Adaptation Source
- Human physical characteristics contribute to speech production.
- The human mouth is smaller but opens and closes quickly compared to other primates.
- The vocal tract has an L-shape rather than the straight path found in other mammals.
- Human tongues are shorter, thicker, and more muscular than are seen in other primates.
- These adaptations make a variety of sounds possible.
- Human teeth are upright, not slanted. Their shape is good for the grinding and chewing.
- Human lips give more flexibility for sounds like p, b, and m.
- The larynx, or "voice box", has a lower position, resulting in a longer pharynx to act as a resonator, resulting in broader sounds from the vocal tract.
Origins of Language: Tool-making Source
- Early humans' tool-making abilities could have led to language.
- Manual gestures might have been the first form of communication.
- Development of preferred right-handedness and capability to create stone tools developed around 2 million years ago.
- Creating and using tools was also reliant on developed brain capacity.
- Correlation in physical development and tool complexity.
Origins of Language: Genetic Source
- The innateness hypothesis implies a genetic predisposition for language.
- Language isn't tied to a specific language.
- The theory posits a genetic mutation providing the language capacity.
- The mutation probably happened over a short period.
- There is speculation regarding the exact timing and its relation to physical adaptations
- This hypothesis separates speculations and considerations away from fossil evidence and basic human sounds to analogies and concepts from the study of genetics.
- The theory proposes that language stems from a special "language gene”.
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Description
Explore the fascinating theories surrounding the origins of language from both divine and natural perspectives. This quiz delves into biblical accounts, historical experiments, and the natural sound theory, challenging the notion of language's development. Test your knowledge of these intriguing ideas and their critics.
