Language Evolution

Question 1

The development of English? (5 steps)

Answer 1

1- Proto-Indo-European
2- Germanic
3-Old English
4-Middle English
5- Modern English

Question 2

What did Darwin say about language evolution?

Charles Darwin, 1871

Answer 2

‘I cannot doubt that language owes its origin to the imitation and modification, aided by signs and gestures, of various natural sounds, the voices of other animals and mans own instinctive cries’

Question 3

Language developed at least ……. years ago as some sort of prototype?

Answer 3

50,000

Question 4

Social evolution establishes…?

Answer 4

The need for language

Question 5

Biological Evolution establishes…?

Answer 5

The necessary neurobiological apparatus and embodiment for language

Question 6

Cultural Evolution shapes…?

Answer 6

Which language systems arise and propagate in populations.

Question 7

Some theoretical positions of language evolution? (4)

Answer 7

1- Evolution of the brain and body
2- Evolution of language
3-Big Bang
4- Bow Wow

Question 8

Protolanguage began with….?

Wray, 1998

Answer 8

‘a small inventory of phonetic sequences with agreed interactional purposes’

Question 9

Examples of a protolanguage (words)?

Answer 9

1- Tebima- Give that to her

2-Kumapi- Share this with her

Question 10

Continuity theories?

Answer 10

Language must have evolved from earlier pre-lingusitic systems, shared with primate ancestors.
e.g. gestyre or calls/songs must have come from animals

Question 11

Discontinuity theories?

Answer 11

Language is unique and must have appeared fairly suddenly but not based on pre-lingustic systems.
e.g. due to a random mutation, cant have come from animals.

Question 12

Social transformation?

Answer 12

Social structure supported or enabled/forced to evolve.