1. Chapter 5 Language

2. Chapter Questions Origin of Human Language Characteristics of Language Acquiring Language

3. Chapter Questions Language and Culture Nonverbal Communication Language Change

4. Origin of Human Language Human culture could not exist without language. Human language recreates complex thoughts and experiences in words. Human language is distinct from any other animal communication system.

5. Characteristics of a Language System of sounds combined to form words, phrases, and sentences. Ability to be used for abstract thought. Vocabulary that can expand with cultural changes.

6. Acquiring language Humans would speak no language if they were taught none. Humans may have a predisposition for learning language patterns or rules. The human brain and body are biologically adapted for language.

7. Universal Grammar Basic principles, conditions, and rules underlie all languages. Children apply unconscious universal grammar to the sounds they hear. All languages share fundamental similarities.

8. Nonverbal communication Almost two-thirds of communication comes from nonverbal cues. Messages are sent by clothing, jewelry, tattoos, piercings, and body modifications.

9. Historical linguistics Focused on discovering the history of languages. Vocabularies are constantly changing. Sociolinguists are interested in the social factors that affect changes in languages.