TOEFL Reading Practice: The Evolution of Language
Reading Passage
Language is a fundamental aspect of human communication, evolving over centuries to reflect the cultural and social changes of societies. The history of language development is a fascinating journey that sheds light on the complexity and adaptability of the human mind. One of the most intriguing theories regarding the origin of language is the 'bow-wow theory,' which suggests that language began with imitations of natural sounds. While this theory has its limitations, it highlights the creative ways in which humans have sought to express themselves through vocalization. Another prominent theory is the 'ding-dong theory,' proposing that language originated from the instinctive responses to environmental stimuli. This theory emphasizes the role of context and sensory perception in shaping linguistic structures. As languages evolved, they diversified into distinct language families, such as the Indo-European, Sino-Tibetan, and Afro-Asiatic language families, each with unique grammatical features and phonetic systems. The study of language evolution not only provides insights into the origins of human communication but also offers valuable perspectives on cultural diversity and cognitive development.
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1. (B) 2. (A) 3. (B) 4. (C) 5. (C) 6. (C)
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