2- The sources- origins of Language
The Origins of Language
Exploring the question of where language comes from and whether all humans always spoke.
The Divine Source
In Christianity, as per Genesis:
God created Adam and named the creatures according to Adam's calls.
Babel is the site where God confused human language and scattered people across the earth.
Hinduism
In Hindu tradition:
Language is believed to originate from Sarasvati, the wife of Brahma, the creator of the universe.
Sarasvati is associated with knowledge and learning.
There is a myth about the Kalpa Vriksha Tree, punished for its pride, relating to language's origin.
From the Americas
Aztec belief states:
Following a great flood, only two people survived—Coxcox and Xochiquetzal.
Their children were initially unable to speak, leading to each child receiving a different language, preventing understanding among them.
From Africa
Bantu peoples' myth:
Initially, all humans shared a common language.
During a famine, a madness struck, leading to nonsensical speech and the emergence of different languages.
Shared Beliefs Across Religions
Many religions attribute the origin of language to a divine source.
Most theories suggest a monogenesis of language, meaning all languages come from a single origin.
Experiments have been conducted to rediscover this original, divinely given language.
Experiments on Language Origin
Isolation Tests:
Pharaoh Psammetichus: Two infants raised with goats reportedly began speaking the Phrygian word for bread, 'bekos'.
Likely imitated goat sounds rather than speaking an original language.
King James of Scotland: Similar trials showed children reportedly speaking Hebrew, supporting the idea of a divine source.
The Natural Source (Bow-wow Theory)
Primitive words originated as imitative sounds of nature.
These imitations referred to associated objects or actions (onomatopoeia).
Examples: "coo-coo" (for a bird) translates to "cuckoo."
The Pooh-pooh Theory
Suggests language may have evolved from natural cries linked to emotions (pain, anger, joy).
The Social Interaction Source (Yo-he-ho Theory)
Proposes that linguistic sounds originated from collective physical efforts requiring coordination among individuals.
The Physical Adaptation Source
Human anatomy supports speech capabilities:
Upright teeth facilitate fricative sounds.
Intricate lip muscles, a muscle-rich tongue, and the ability to modulate airflow enhance vocalization.
The Tool-making Source
Suggests language emerged alongside the development of manual dexterity and gestures before evolving into verbal communication.
The Genetic Source
Implies children are born with an innate capacity for language, distinguishing humans from other species.
Theories and Arguments on Language Development
Sudden Theories:
Divine source: language was gifted suddenly.
Natural sound source: emergence is sudden through onomatopoeia.
Gradual Theories:
Social interaction: language develops with group living.
Physical adaptation: language evolves along with biological changes.
Tool-making source: cognitive evolution leads to structural organization of language.
Genetic source: language development is innate over time in children.
Conclusions
Language origins are multifaceted, encompassing divine, natural, social, physical, tool-making, and genetic sources.
Historical context and beliefs vary widely, shedding light on the complex evolution of human language.
References
G. Yule (2010) The origins of language (pp. 1-9).
"The origins of language" (2012) Slideshare presentation by 07437666.
Image and gif sources: Google images and Tumblr.