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Questions and Answers
The ______ of language
The ______ of language
origin
Language began with the ______
Language began with the ______
Mama
The origin of spoken language dates back to about ______ years ago
The origin of spoken language dates back to about ______ years ago
100,000 and 50,000
Many societies believed that language is the gift of the ______ to humans
Many societies believed that language is the gift of the ______ to humans
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A lot of ______ about the origins of language
A lot of ______ about the origins of language
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Study Notes
Definition of Language
- Language is a system of communication consisting of sounds, words, and grammar.
- It is the system of communication used by the people of a particular country.
Origin of Language
- Spoken language likely developed between 100,000 and 50,000 years ago with the emergence of modern humans (Homo sapiens).
- Writing only dates back to around 5,000 years ago.
Lack of Evidence
- There is no direct evidence about the development of speech.
- Little physical evidence remains of the language used by our ancestors.
Hypotheses on Language Origins
- Divine Creation: Many societies throughout history believed that language was a gift from the gods to humans.
- Natural Evolution: At some point, humans acquired a more sophisticated brain, making language invention and learning possible.
Theories of Language Origins
The Mama Theory
- Language began with the easiest sounds, which were likely "mama" or "papa".
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