The Language that Shapes Us Noam Chomsky & Edward Sapir

What Makes Us Human? Social Scientists try to answer this What makes us different from other species? Anthropologists often discuss evolution as an answer to this question This idea also showed us how similar we are to the great apes But what makes us different from the great apes? Language abilities All primates communicate, but humans are capable of both concrete & abstract though

Evolution of Human Language Steps in Language Evolution 1 – Non-verbal gestures (body language) 2 – Grunts, groans, & gestures 3 – Verbal communication 4 – Complex verbal communication (specific languages & grammar rules)

Evolution of Human Language Language is a sophisticated communication system that includes vocabulary or lexicon as well as a set of rules or grammar outlining its proper use Evolution of language occurred simultaneously w/ human evolution Specifically w/ brain size Brain grew & transformed, became organized Allowed humans to think abstractly & exchange information Major changes began 1.8 million years ago (Brocha’s area – speech control) Finished approx 300,000 w/ the hyoid bone connecting muscles to the jaw, larynx, & tongue

The Importance of Language Allowed ancestors to communicate needs Hunting, gathering, warning Increased probability of survival Language today is open & discrete Open b/c it evolves Discrete b/c it conveys clear messages Primitive sounds can be falsely interpreted b/c they are blended (more than 1 meaning) Anyone for some charades! How about Pictionary!

Noam Chomsky: Linguistics Theorist Ideas in linguistics are complex Believes humans are “fairly” unique Why? Our ability to communicate, learn, & understand (video 2:57) Called it Universal Grammar (UG) Believes UG is innate Humans are born, pre-wired w/ an idea of how language works regardless of culture W/in this innate knowledge is our understanding of how language works & how to communicate

Noam Chomsky: Linguistics Theorist Chomsky’s Example Baby kittens vs human babies Both are exposed to the same language HWR, results will differ Over time Humans ALWAYS acquire the ability to understand/produce language HWR, cats DO NOT Chomsky called this ability the Language Acquisition Device (LAD) Chomsky stated that this ability exists in all humans (as long as it begins by a certain age) Language differences are subtle compared to these underlying innate abilities humans possess (video 5:21)

Edward Sapir: Linguistics Theorist Sapir believed connections b/w language, thinking, & culture exist AND these connections need to be understood by everyone, in order for society to function properly Making the ability to communicate clearly essential Also believed that language shapes an individual’s personality Meaning, language will influence our perception of the world & our behaviour In order to understand the person, you need to understand the history of their language, which tells you the history of their culture

Edward Sapir & the Language Drift Sapir also stated that language is NOT static Meaning, it is constantly evolving Called this the Language Drift As language changes over time, so does our reality As our reality changes, so does language (cyclical) Sapir believed that language helps humans filter or interpret reality And that every culture use of language predisposes us to certain experiences

Sapir & Benjamin Whorf: Linguistic Relativity Benjamin Whorf helped Sapir finish this idea and called it Linguistic Relativity States that Language affects the ways in which it’s respective speakers conceptualize the world Whorf & Sapir highlighted this by using Eskimo culture as an example 100+ words that describe snow Why? Most important element to their culture They compare many facets of life to it What do we have in CDN culture that is similar? Nothing…. HAHA!

Evidence of Language Evolution: The Biami Hypothesis Communication evolved (from facial expressions & body language to complex) Tested in 1982 when the Biami were found (New Guinea) Biami had no previous contact w/ other ppl Scientists tried using their own & neighbouring dialects to talk Did not work Used facial expressions Smile was met w/ a smile Gestures (pointing to objects) allowed trade (bartering) to occur Proved the hypothesis was accurate

Body Language Communicates information & attitudes in a non-verbal manner Consists of facial expressions, gestures, and the position of extremities Reinforces the impression a person is trying to make OR may betray your true feelings Body Language & Gestures have different meanings throughout the world (let’s look)

Head Nod (up & down) Greece = NO Eye Contact To us = person is listening Japan = bad manners Thumbs Up! Iran = rude Important to know to avoid miscommunication w/ ppl from other cultures

How Humans Communicate Communication Process Language (Verbal Communication) Speech Writing Non-Verbal Communication Body Language (Character of Voice) Tone Interaction Distance (Appearance) Clothing

Two Events That Changed Linguistics Genie Washoe & Nim Chimpsky