Language Is An Innate Function Of Human Nature - 1955 Words

There is much discrepancy among linguists regarding the origins of language. Most linguists argue that only specific influences gave rise to the language system that exists today. Some linguists, like Noam Chomsky, argue that language is an innate function of human nature while others, like Daniel Everett, posit that language is solely a cultural product. As a result of this debate, the question arises: What are the true origins of language? The human need to communicate and to express ideas is a true instinct that leads to the development of language. Therefore, rather to say that language has a single origin, it is more probable to say that language is a synergistic product of established human neurological and biological processes that†¦show more content†¦They also state that Lucy, the earliest human ancestor who dates back three million years ago, possessed a hyoid bone underneath the tongue which is essential for speech (Lull, 52). In addition to the physical anatomica l evidence, there is neurological evidence that substantiates the human instinct to vocalize and to communicate. The FOXP2 gene is genetic evidence of the innate function of language (Everett, 70). Although this gene is not solely responsible for speech and language, the FOXP2 gene â€Å"influences the capacity to learn and use language by orchestrating the functionality of a network of genes† (Lull, 52). Furthermore, research has been done on Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area, parts of the brain in which Pierre Paul Broca, a French physician, and Carl Wernicke, a German physician, have done extensive studies in regards to brain function and language. Both physicians discovered that certain sectors of the brain such as the frontal lobe and posterior are involved with the development of language. Absence of the FOXP2 gene or damage to areas of the brain directly affects the ability to speak and may result in aphasia, a language disorder that detrimentally affects the ability to use language