The Origins of Language

The Origins of Language

1. Language is a system of symbols

   • Several levels of organization
     • phonetics (the sounds)
       • syntax (the grammar)
         • semantics (the meanings).

2. when did language begin?

   • 4 or 5 million years ago?
   • with the advent of modern man?
   • Did the neanderthal speak?

3. There are many theories about the origins of language

   • Many of these have traditional amusing names
     • The mama theory
       • Language began with the easiest syllables attached to the most significant objects.
     • The ta-ta theory
       • influenced by Darwin
         • Language began as an unconscious vocal imitation of movements
           • This evolved into the popular idea that language may have derived from gestures.
     • The bow-wow theory
       • Language began as imitations of natural sounds
         • This is more technically referred to as onomatopoeia or echoism.
     • The pooh-pooh theory
       • Language began with interjections, instinctive emotive cries such as oh! for surprise and ouch! for pain.
     • The ding-dong theory
       • MAx Muller
         • there is a rather mysterious correspondence between sounds and meanings
           • This is often referred to as sound symbolism.
     • The sing-song theory
       • Danish linguist Jesperson
         • language comes out of play, laughter, cooing, courtship, emotional mutterings, and the like.
     • The hey you! theory
       • Revesz suggested that we have always needed interpersonal contact
         • This is more commonly called the contact theory.
     • The hocus pocus theory
       • language may have had some roots in a sort of magical or religious aspect of our ancestors' lives.
     • The eureka! theory
       • language was consciously invented
         • some ancestor had the idea of assigning arbitrary sounds to mean certain things.
     • The yo-he-ho theory
       • Language began as rhythmic chants
         • calls for assistance or cooperation accompanied by appropriate gestures.

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