The Origins of Language

The Origins of Language

1. The languaje is a system of symbols,with several levels of organization at least phonetics (the sounds) syntax (the grammar) and semantics (the meanings).

2. The Mama theory

   • attached to the most significant objects
   • Language began with the easiest syllables

3. The Ta-ta theory

   • Sir Richard Paget, influenced by Darwin, believed that body movement preceded language.
   • language may have derived from gestures.
   • Language began as an unconscious vocal imitation of these movements
     • the way a child's mouth will move when they use scissors
     • tongue sticks out when I try to play the guitar.

4. The bow-wow theory

   • arose from people imitating natural souns.
     • or sounds that things make
   • Was coined by Max Müller
     • a philologist
   • The first speech was onomatopoeia.
     • words that represent the sounds they make
   • Does not adequately explain the creation of words for soundless objects
     • Nor how grammar or synthax developed

5. The pooh-pooh theory

   • Propose that the first words developed from interjections or exclamations.
   • the term "pooh-pooh" was originated in the late eighteenth century
     • as "reduplication" of the word "pooh"
       • which was a common expression of disgust
   • stated that there are natural emotional reactions in the roots of human words
     • ike laughter, cries of pain or sighs
   • Some authors suggested the term originated as a "representation of the act of spitting in sign of rejection".

6. The ding-dong theory

   • This idea that language began when humans started naming objects.
     • Sounds
     • Symbolism
     • small or sharp objects
     • Vowels
     • Objects of sense percetion
     • Producing spontaneously sound
     • For example: BOON-CRASH-ONIK

7. The sing -song theory

   • that language comes out of play, laughter, coo-ing, courtship, emotional.
     • other theories, perhaps some of our first words were actually long and musical
       • rather than the short grunts many assume we started with.

8. The yo-he-ho theory

   • Proposes that language and speech started with grunts and groans.
   • In effect this theory claims that language are originated from the cooperative effoorts of human.
     • For example : chants and working -sworking songs-marchin

9. The hey you Theory

   • Revesz suggested that we have always needed interpersonal contact.
   • language began as sounds to signal both identity (here I am!) and belonging (I'm with you!).
   • We may also cry out in fear, anger, or hurt This is more commonly called the contact theory.

10. The hocus pocus theory

    • It was thought may have had some roots in the magical or religious aspect of our ancestors' lives.
      • It was once a common term for a magician, juggler, or other similar entertainers.
        • Is an illusion or a meaningless distraction that tricks you in some way.
      • In fact the word comes ocmes from a false Latin HOC EST CORPUS MEUM "This is my body", probalby copied from the invocation of the mass.
      • We started calling the game animals with magical sounds, which became their names.
    • Aletrnative to other theories it may simply be meaningless pseudo-latin, invented to impress people.
    • Synonyms
      • Hanky Panky
      • Jiggery - Pokery
      • Skullduggery
      • Slickness
      • Trickery
    • Example
      • He steadied himslef in time to hear Snape say, " - your little bit of hocus-pocus. I'm wating."
        • the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

11. The ureka Theory

    • The lenguage was consciously invented.
      • An idea there is no baiss for inspired discovery, but only dicovery as a mere accident.
        • Origin the word beginning with Archimides.
          • Is defined as a translator of a pragmatic discovery.
            • Monogenesis
              • It was invented many times.
            • Polygenesis
              • It was invented by many people.
            • Induces the translator to suddendly find valied solutions to the linguistic problems he or she faced with.
        • Eureka! Eureka! (I've found it! I've found it!), with joy.

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