Linguistics 1a - Yule Summary

Linguistics 1a - Yule Summary The Divine Source Core Idea: Language was divinely given to humans (e.g., biblical Adam naming creatures, Hindu goddess Sarasvati). Experiments: Pharaoh Psamtik isolated children-they supposedly said "bekos," thought to be Phrygian for "bread." King James IV-children allegedly spoke Hebrew. Emperor Akbar-children raised without speech exposure didn't develop language. Takeaway: No children spontaneously developeda divine language. Instead, lack of exposure led to absence of language-supporting the idea that language is not innate in its content but in its capacity. 2. The Natural Sound Source "Bow-Wow" Theory: Language began as imitations of natural sounds (e.g., "cuckoo", "bang", "buzz"). Modern onomatopoeia supports this slightly. Weakness: Can't explain abstract words like "truth"or "if'. "Pooh-Pooh" Theory: Language came from instinctive emotional cries (pain = "ouch"). Issue: Emotional sounds are produced on inhalation, unlike speech which occurs during exhalation. 3. The Musical Source Proposed by Darwin-language evolved from musical utterances used to charm mates. Infants respond to intonation before words-suggests melody precedes meaning. Music-like vocalization could have beena precursor to structured speech.