Look – who was talking
Read Look – who was talking and check the IELTS Reading answers. When did we start talking to each other and how long did it take us to become so good at it? One view of language development, held by linguists such as Noam Chomsky and anthropologists such as Richard Klein, is that language, specifi…
Passage preview
When did we start talking to each other and how long did it take us to become so good at it? One view of language development, held by linguists such as Noam Chomsky and anthropologists such as Richard Klein, is that language, specifically the spoken word, appeared suddenly among modem humans a mere 35,000 to 50,000 years ago and that the ability to speak words and use syntax was recently genetically hard wired into our brains in a kind of language organ. This view of language is associated with the old idea that logical thought is dependent on words, a concept originating with Plato and much in vogue in the 19th century – that is, animals do not speak because they do not think. However, the abstract thought demonstrated in 20th century experiments with chimpanzees and bonobos put this theory in doubt.
Vocabulary from this passage
12 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- abstract thought noun
The ability to process ideas and concepts that are not physically present or concrete
Experiments with chimpanzees have demonstrated their capacity for abstract thought, challenging earlier linguistic theories.
- direct line of ascent noun
A straight genealogical path from ancestors to a descendant without side branches
Evidence shows that brain size did not leap in a direct line of ascent toward modern humans.
- evolutionary pressure noun
Factors that influence the reproductive success of individuals and drive changes in a species
Harsh environmental changes created evolutionary pressure for early humans to develop more effective communication methods.
- genetically hard-wired adjective
Inherent in the biological makeup of an organism rather than learned through experience
The theory suggests that language capabilities are genetically hard-wired into a specific organ in the brain.
- in vogue adjective
Currently popular, fashionable, or widely accepted within a particular period or society
The idea that logical thought depends entirely on spoken words was very much in vogue during the 1800s.
- learning bias noun
A predisposition or tendency to learn certain types of information more easily than others
Languages must adapt to the learning biases of the human brain to be successfully passed between generations.
- manipulate verb
To handle or control something in a skillful manner, especially for a specific purpose
Early human ancestors learned to manipulate complex vocal sounds to coordinate activities and share information.
- marginally adverb
To only a limited extent; slightly or not significantly enough to cause major change
While the brain grew rapidly, the advancement of stone tools increased only marginally during that period.
- perception noun
A way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something; a mental impression
There is a general perception that brain growth in humans occurred gradually over millions of years.
- physiological adjective
Relating to the way in which a living organism or bodily part functions
The differences between languages are cultural rather than resulting from any physiological trait of the speakers.
- symbolic adjective
Serving as a visible or internal representation of an idea, concept, or quality
The human brain developed to organize and manipulate the complex symbolic aspects of language and speech.
- syntax noun
The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed and grammatically correct sentences
Some linguists argue that the ability to use complex syntax is a uniquely human genetic trait.
Answers with explanations
- 27. B
This view belongs to **Condillac**, who proposed that language developed as a series of inventions starting from **apes** and their **gestures**. He is the only one in the text linking the origin of speech directly back to ancestral ape behaviors. Answer: B.
- 28. C
While the text mentions animal experiments (chimpanzees), it does not state that **Chomsky** or **Condillac** believed such research was **essential** to understanding human speech. In fact, Chomsky's view is that it's a unique human genetic 'organ'. Thus, this statement is attributed to **neither**. Answer: C.
- 29. A
This timeline (35k-50k years ago) is explicitly linked to **Chomsky's** theory of a 'sudden' appearance. This is considered **relatively late** compared to the 2 million-year gradual process mentioned by other anthropologists later in the text. Answer: A.
- 30. B
The text states **Condillac** argued that **spoken language** developed out of **gesture language**, which is a form of **non-verbal** communication. He saw gestures as the precursor to coded words. Answer: B.
- 31. C
The passage discusses language as a **cultural invention** and mentions it is not due to **biological** (physiological) factors. However, it does not attribute this specific environmental argument to either Chomsky (who focuses on genetics) or Condillac (who focuses on invention from gestures). It's presented as a general observation. Answer: C.
- 32. A
The text notes that **Chomsky's** view is associated with the idea that **logical thought** (rational thinking) is **dependent on words** (speech). This connects the ability to think to the existence of language. Answer: A.
- 33. NO
The statement claims experts **agree** on when speech began. The text, however, shows that recent fossil evidence brings current theories **into doubt**, indicating that there is ongoing debate and **no agreement**. Answer: NO.
- 34. NO
The statement suggests a **direct relationship** between technology and brain size. The text describes this as a **paradox** because technology only advanced **marginally** while the brain grew **rapidly**. This lack of correlation contradicts the claim. Answer: NO.
- 35. YES
The writer explicitly identifies the timeframe of **2.5 to 1.5 million years ago** as the window when brain growth was at its **most rapid**. This matches the statement that the period has been **identified**. Answer: YES.
- 36. NOT GIVEN
The text mentions the **search for food** and a worsening environment, but it never mentions the specific practice of **agriculture** in relation to language development. Agriculture is a much later human development than the 2.5 million-year mark discussed here. Answer: NOT GIVEN.
- 37. YES
The writer suggests that cultural evolution follows a **predictable curve** or **pattern** (slow then accelerating). This confirms that a particular pattern throughout history has been observed and explained by the author. Answer: YES.
- 38. C
The passage states that based on revised fossil dates, the **bulk of increases** (most growth) was finished by **1.2 million years ago**. This directly links the completion of brain growth to date C. Answer: C.
- 39. C
The author concludes that because the brain had reached a 'near maximum' size, these ancestors **could already have been talking perfectly well** by **1.2 million years ago**. This suggests verbal development was essentially complete. Answer: C.
- 40. A
The writer describes a **weather change** (turn for the worse) occurring **2.5 million years ago**. This **external change** in environment is credited with driving the need for better communication. Answer: A.