1. The Language that Shapes Us
Noam Chomsky & Edward Sapir

2. 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

3. 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)

4. 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

5. 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!

6. 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

7. 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)

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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!

12. 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

13. 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)

14. 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

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

16. Two Events That Changed Linguistics
Genie
Washoe & Nim Chimpsky