The ability to communicate using language
Read The ability to communicate using language, an IELTS Reading practice passage. A research question of continuing interest to modern academics concerns the origins of nouns, verbs, adjectives and so on - in other words, all the separate components that make up human language. Did they come about…
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A research question of continuing interest to modern academics concerns the origins of nouns, verbs, adjectives and so on - in other words, all the separate components that make up human language. Did they come about suddenly, or did they emerge gradually, adapted over time? Unlike fire, the use of language did not exist before humans first created it, so we must look elsewhere for any beneficial comparison. What is more, every culture in the history of the human race places its own mark on language. It is an invention that embraces all humans and provides us with our most intense source of happiness - focused and ordered thoughts. Homo sapiens has become Homo loquax, as well-known author Tom Wolfe puts it, or in other words 'speaking man'.
Vocabulary from this passage
10 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- anthropologist noun
A scientist who systematically studies human societies, cultural practices, behaviors, and the historical development of humanity
The anthropologist published a groundbreaking study on the social hierarchies of ancient civilizations.
- communicative technology noun
The specialized systems, structures, or tools utilized by organisms or humans to convey complex information and meaning
Human language is considered the most advanced communicative technology ever developed on Earth.
- discourse noun
Formal, structured communication or debate, either written or spoken, characteristic of a particular academic or scientific field
Engaging in respectful academic discourse is vital for the advancement of scientific knowledge.
- fieldwork noun
Practical research, observation, and data collection conducted directly in a natural environment rather than a laboratory setting
The anthropologist spent two years conducting intensive fieldwork with an indigenous tribe in the jungle.
- framework noun
A fundamental structure underlying a system, concept, or theory that provides essential support and organization
The theoretical framework of the research model explains how social media influences public opinion.
- genetically encoded adjective
Traits, behaviors, or capacities that are permanently embedded within the biological blueprint or DNA of an organism
Some scientists argue that the capacity for grammar is genetically encoded in the human brain.
- irrelevant adjective
Not connected with, applicable to, or significant to the specific matter, argument, or context at hand
The witness provided details that were deemed irrelevant to the criminal investigation by the judge.
- linguistic group noun
A distinct community or population of individuals who share a common native language or language structure
Researchers documented the unique dialects spoken by each remote linguistic group in the region.
- simplistic adjective
Treating complex issues or systems as if they were much simpler than they actually are, leading to inaccuracy
The politician offered a simplistic explanation for a highly intricate economic problem.
- universal human characteristic noun
A fundamental trait, capability, or behavior that is shared consistently by all human beings across all cultures
The ability to create complex tools is a universal human characteristic observed throughout history.