Origins of language

We refer to to the 4 sources of language origin discussed in George Yule's importance book, The Study of Language. I have added something to the Divine Source; Some Quranic verses have been added to it!

1. Origins of Language Prepared by Ismail Abdulrahman Perdawdy , MA in English Language &Linguistics, Lecturer Department of Translation Techniques, Erbil Administrative Technical Institute Erbil Polytechnic University 2017

2. In this seminar, we will to try answer the following questions 2 What is language? How did language originate? What are the reasons behind the diversity of languages in our present day? Origins of Language

3. What is Language? Origins of Language 3

4. Language is one of the best means by which humans communicate. Origins of Language 4

5. Importance of language Language : Is everywhere permeates our thoughts Mediates our relations with others Creeps into our dreams And in it, Human knowledge and culture is stored and transmitted. So, without it, all the above points are IMPOSSIBLE! Origins of Language 5

6. How and when did language originate? Origins of Language 6

7. Most of the Western Linguists & Philosophers believe There was a time when people didn’t have the ability to talk. Humans developed language between 100,000 and 50,000 years ago (but, written language appeared 5000 years ). There is no physical evidence about when and how of language in humans emerged. All what is said in this regard is a matter of speculation. Origins of Language 7

8. Some of these speculations are from four different sources Origins of Language 8

9. Natural Sound Source The suggestion of this source is: Primitive words could have been imitations of natural sounds which early men heard around them. CAW-CAW sound of flying objects COO-COO sound of a flying creature. People started to imitate the sounds and named the objects and creatures with these sounds. Origins of Language 9

10. In addition to cuckoo Splash Bang Boom Rattle Buzz Hiss Roar This is known as bow-wow theory Onomatopoetic words Origins of Language 10

11. The problem of ‘bow-wow’ theory Origins of Language 11 How reference was made to the: Soundless words Abstract concepts

12. Natural cries of emotion Pain: Ouch! Anger: Ah! disgust: yuck ! These are produced with intakes of breath! But normal spoken language is produced when air is exhaled rather than inhaled! Origins of Language 12

13. Yo -he-ho theory Sounds made due to physical effort involving several people could be the source of our language: Grunts Groans Curses This theory is based on the social and cultural cooperation found among early men. However, apes have grunts but they do not have a language like ours! Origins of Language 13

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16. Physical Adaptation Source Origins of Language 16 This source depends on the physical features humans possess, especially those that are distinct from other creatures

17. Human physical features that help language Human teeth are upright / f, v/ The lips are made of intricate muscles / p , b / The tongue is also helpful. Human larynx (voice box: containing vocal cords ) pharynx (resonator). Human brain : left hemisphere, in most of the people is responsible for controlling the above organs of speech. Origins of Language 17

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19. The Genetic Source Origins of Language 19 The reason why physical adaptation takes place in humans & why deaf and dumb can be fluent sign language users is answered by supporters of innateness hypothesis (human offspring are born with a special capacity for language) . The language capacity is genetically hard-wired in born babies.

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21. Divine Sources In most of the worlds religions language is regarded as a gift from gods to the humans: Hinduism: Saraswati ( Sarasvati ), Brahma’s wife, has given language to humans as a gift. In Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Origins of Language 21

22. Quran Origins of Language 22 And He taught Adam the names of all things; then He placed them before the angels, and said: "Tell me the names of these if ye are right."

23. Origins of Language 23 He has taught him [man] speech (and intelligence ).

24. Some experiments Psammetichus 2500 years ago King James IV, 1500 Origins of Language 24 Bekos : bread in Phrygian Hebrew Other experiments resulted in speechless children!

25. Why do people speak different languages if they first had one language Origins of Language 25

26. Christianity : Language diversity is a curse to humanity! Origins of Language 26

27. Quran: Language diversity is one sign of God’s Supreme Power Origins of Language 27

28. وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَا مِنْ رَسُولٍ إِلَّا بِلِسَانِ قَوْمِهِ لِيُبَيِّنَ لَهُمْ ۖ ... We sent not a messenger except (to teach) in the language of his (own) people, in order to make (things) clear to them Origins of Language 28

29. Origins of Language 29 Every one of you will talk to your Lord while there is no interpreter between you and Him! ( the translation of the meanings )

30. Origins of Language 30 The End

31. Origins of Language 31 شكرا على الحضور