The origin of language
Read The origin of language and check the IELTS Reading answers. Theories on the origin and evolution of language have been a major area of my research for many years. By 1859, when British scientist Charles Darwin published The Origin of Species, there was already a great deal of interest in this…
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Theories on the origin and evolution of language have been a major area of my research for many years. By 1859, when British scientist Charles Darwin published The Origin of Species, there was already a great deal of interest in this subject. However, the debate became plagued by strange theories, so much so that in 1866 the influential Société de Linguistique de Paris banned all discussions about the origin of language. The ban lasted for more than a century, before a surge of research began during the 1990s. Linguists, psychologists, anthropologists, and archaeologists now frequently debate the origin of language and have published many articles and books on this topic. And yet, despite almost frenzied activity, limited progress has been made.
Vocabulary from this passage
10 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- arbitrary adjective
Based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system; lacking a consistent logic
Each message in the proto-language was uniquely associated with an arbitrary meaning.
- compositional adjective
Relating to the way in which something is put together or the combination of individual parts into a whole
Traditional theories assume language is compositional, where small units of meaning combine into complex messages.
- emergent meaning noun
The concept that the significance of a whole message arises from the combination of its individual components
Modern grammar allows humans to combine smaller units of meaning to generate complex, emergent meanings.
- ethnomusicologist noun
A scholar who studies music within its cultural and social contexts, often focusing on non-Western traditions
The renowned ethnomusicologist John Blacking explored the universal human qualities of musical expression.
- holistic adjective
Characterized by the belief that parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole
Wray argues that proto-language was holistic in character, composed of messages rather than individual words.
- inherent adjective
Existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute; belonging to the basic nature of someone
The book broached the idea that music is an inherent and universal human quality.
- precursor noun
A person or thing that comes before another of the same kind; a forerunner or early version
The precursor of modern language was a communication system composed of holistic messages rather than grammar.
- rule system noun
A set of explicit or understood regulations or principles governing conduct or procedure within a particular field
In holistic proto-language, units were not combined using a rule system to create emergent meanings.
- transmission noun
The action or process of conveying or passing something from one person, place, or thing to another
Language has a self-evident function in the transmission of information through verbal communication.
- universal feature noun
A characteristic or attribute that is present across all human societies regardless of cultural or geographic differences
Music is a universal feature of human society and plays a significant role in every individual's life.
Answers with explanations
- 27. C
The writer notes that many fields are debating the topic, describing it as **frenzied activity**. However, the outcome is characterized as **limited progress**. This highlights that the **lack of progress** is notable or **surprising** when contrasted with the high volume of work being done. Answer: C.
- 28. A
The 'problem' is the **contradiction** between two types of evidence. One theory links **brain size** to language, but **fossil evidence** (larger brain) conflicts with **archaeological evidence** (no language). This mismatch demonstrates that theories are based on **conflicting evidence**, making the correct option match the source's logic. Answer: A.
- 29. A
The writer criticizes a modern book for failing to mention music and states that the authors have a **lesson to learn** from **Rousseau**. This implies that modern **theorists** should follow Rousseau's **approach** of linking language and music. The other options incorrectly suggest Rousseau supported a ban or influenced the specific book mentioned. Answer: A.
- 30. D
The writer directly critiques the core **assumption** of Bickerton's theory (that proto-language was words without grammar), calling it **fundamentally mistaken**. While the writer admits to once finding it persuasive, their **current view** is that it is flawed. Answer: D.
- 31. C
In the final paragraph, the writer argues that Wray's holistic view allows for a connection between the **origin of music**, **language**, and the **emotional lives** of ancestors. This matches the correct option perfectly. Other options focus on grammar or semantics without including the crucial 'emotions' link emphasized in the conclusion. Answer: C.
- 32. D
The text states the Société **banned all discussions**, effectively deciding that the origin of language **should not be debated**. This matches the ending D. Other options like A/B/C involve specific beliefs about music or grammar which the Société did not address in the context of the ban. Answer: D.
- 33. H
Darwin's work is linked to **referring to music** in a book that focuses on **human evolution** (The Descent of Man). This aligns with ending H. Distractors like F are wrong because he only devoted 'several pages', not 17 chapters. Answer: H.
- 34. A
Blacking's book suggested that music is a **universal human quality**, which is a synonym for it being an **essential part of every individual**. This matches ending A. It does not suggest early language was musical (C) or mention 17 chapters (F). Answer: A.
- 35. B
The text states that despite writing a 'comprehensive' or definitive study, the authors **failed to mention music**. This corresponds to ending B, noting the **lack of link** between music and language in their work. Answer: B.
- 36. E
Bickerton's theory is that early language used **words strung together** with **limited grammar**. This is described as being **unsystematic** compared to modern language, matching ending E. It does not suggest there were 'no individual words' (G). Answer: E.
- 37. G
Alison Wray argues that proto-language used **messages rather than words**, meaning it **had no individual words** as we understand them today. This matches ending G. This is the opposite of Bickerton's view of 'words without grammar'. Answer: G.
- 38. B
The writer identifies **archaeological and fossil proof** from ancestors as a neglected area. This corresponds to **evidence from prehistoric times**. The text explicitly uses 'insufficient concern' to signal it hasn't been studied enough. Answer: A.
- 38-40: ADE
38: The writer identifies **archaeological and fossil proof** from ancestors as a neglected area. This corresponds to **evidence from prehistoric times**. The text explicitly uses 'insufficient concern' to signal it hasn't been studied enough. Answer: A.
39: The second neglected area identified by the author is **music**. The text states there has been a 'self-imposed ban' and 'limited discussion' regarding music's role in language origins, confirming it as an under-studied area. Answer: D.
40: The third area is **emotion**. The writer explicitly states that while intellectual capacities have been examined, **emotional lives** have been **sorely neglected**. This aligns with the requirement to identify areas not studied enough. Answer: E.
- 39. F
The second neglected area identified by the author is **music**. The text states there has been a 'self-imposed ban' and 'limited discussion' regarding music's role in language origins, confirming it as an under-studied area. Answer: D.
- 40. C
The third area is **emotion**. The writer explicitly states that while intellectual capacities have been examined, **emotional lives** have been **sorely neglected**. This aligns with the requirement to identify areas not studied enough. Answer: E.