Describe the origin of language. Or What are the chief theories of language?

“The origin of Language”

Q: 1 Describe the origin of language.

Q: 1 What are the chief theories of language?

Introduction:-   

          Language is a complex process. There are some symbols representing sounds. Combination of these sounds makes a language. But these sounds are only necessary for spoken language. Language is both spoken and written but primarily it is spoken. Through sounds ideas, thoughts and feelings are conveyed. Particular way sounds are put into words. Some rules are formed to make structure. Sounds according to this create raw material. Speaker and listeners then agrees to have some common understanding. This finally gives shape to language. In short we can say “Language is a system of sounds, words, patterns etc. us by humans to communicate thoughts and feelings.” Or it is “a form of language use by a particular group nation.”

Language; evolutionary, not static:-

          Language is a living form. It grows so it is evolutionary, not static. A process of changing, adding, omitting is continuously going on. If we compare Chaucer language and today language, a vast different is noticeable. Rigiditys in English language was not earlier tolerated which is not tolerated. Slang words are now accepted. Spelling have even been accepted. In the beginning, the process of change was slow but now because of many factors it is rapidly changing. American influence, T.V, printing, radio and cinema are chief causes for these changes. B.B.C. play a role to has correct English.

A language Differentiates man and animal:-

          This is a remarkable thing. What distinguishes man and animals is language. It is the chief characteristic a mankind. All people of all countries speak language. Merely meaningless noise, don’t make language which the animals do. According to prof. Ltoyd James animals had perhaps language in mind but it couldn’t develop in the proper direction. “The species which developed mind and personality also developed speech.” Sir G. Eliot smith believed that “the discovery of speech marked the beginning of man.

          There are some theories for the origin of language. They are not complete. There are disputes but they indicate at least various views.

(A) The bow-wow the theory (Imitation):-

          It shows imitation theory. The earliest speech was perhaps an attempt to imitate sound. The young child adopts this type of expression. It is possibility that he adopting habits and manner which our adult ancestors had many years ago. He distinguishes a dog from other animals is that of ‘barking. It says ‘bow-wow’ and he begins to imitate it. Many see this a beginning