Quiz on Human Speech Development

Which physical feature of the Neanderthal suggests potential for speech?

• A) Larger brain size

• B) Reconstructed vocal tract

• C) Enhanced vision

• D) Ability to walk upright

What does the innateness hypothesis suggest about the capacity for language in humans?

• A) It is learned solely through interaction with others.

• B) It is a gradual change that occurs over generations.

• C) It is completely absent in newborns.

• D) It may be genetically hard-wired in newborn humans.

What is the primary focus of the text regarding the development of human speech?

• A) Types of sounds used in communication

• B) Physical features that support speech production

• C) Social contexts of language use

• D) Evolution of writing systems

According to the text, how does the investigation of the origins of language shift with the innateness hypothesis?

• A) It focuses solely on fossil evidence.

• B) It relies on physical adaptations of the species.

• C) It turns towards genetics and the concept of a 'language gene.'

• D) It ignores the role of the brain in language development.

What is the effect of the smaller human mouth compared to other primates?

• A) It allows for slower speech.

• B) It enables rapid opening and closing for sound production.

• C) It makes eating more difficult.

• D) It restricts vocal range.

What question does the text pose regarding other creatures and their ability to produce or understand language?

• A) Can all creatures learn any human language?

• B) Is it completely impossible for any other creature to produce or understand language?

• C) Do other creatures have a similar language capacity to humans?

• D) Can other species develop a language over time?

What comparison is made between early humans and other primates regarding communication?

• A) Early humans have the capacity for speech, while primates primarily use simple calls.

• B) Both groups use complex language structures.

• C) Both groups rely solely on visual signals.

• D) Primates have developed human-like speech patterns.

What role do natural sounds play in the 'yo-he-ho' theory?

• A) They are irrelevant to language development.

• B) They serve as the foundational sounds that evolved into language.

• C) They are the basis for written language.

• D) They only apply to animal communication.

What is one limitation of the 'yo-he-ho' theory mentioned in the text?

• A) It cannot explain the origins of human social structures.

• B) It ignores the role of written language.

• C) It only applies to modern humans.

• D) It does not address how the sounds evolved into complex language.

What was the outcome of the isolation experiment conducted by Psammetichus?

• A) The children uttered a word in Phrygian.

• B) The children spoke an original divine language.

• C) The children learned Egyptian.

• D) The children remained silent.