Ankara Üniversitesi Dil ve Tarih-Coğrafya Fakültesi Dergisi (Dec 2016)
A Symbiotic Perspective on The Evolution of Language
Abstract
This study focuses on the role of microorganismic (such as bacteria and viruses) evolution and microorganisms’ accordance with mutation process in the context of language emergence. It also asserts that the relationship is not merely resemblance; rather the microbiome (the complete microbiota which either permanently or temporary colonize our body) plays a requisite role in the process of developing sensory-motor system. In this framework; this study briefly describes contemporary developments in molecular biology and microbiology backs up the background of the idea that human body is not a single organism; on the contrary it is an ecosystem consists of many organisms. Within the limits of problem of evolution of language based on these developments; following ideas are put forward: 1. (Following Gould and Chomsky) Language faculty might be emerged as an epiphenomenon (side-effect); not as an adaptation. 2. Then; what is the real adaptational development that arised language as epiphenomenon? It might be our early ancestors who were evolved to bipedal position while getting an opportunity to set their hands free. 3. In the evolution process which provided a transformation of our species to bipedal animals; the role of coevolution of microorganismic ecosystem could not be ignored. Then; the evolution of microbiome has an impact on language faculty side-effectively; while being directly on brain evolution.
