The Origin of Language: Memes vs. Genes

The Origin of Language: Memes vs. Genes

The invention of  "uniquely human" language is not a result of persistent endeavors by ancient people, but a gift given to the population through "spontaneous surges," or linguistic memes.

Human beings have long lived independently enough to acquire distinguishing cultural traits. Given the common sense that languages are expected to vary from culture to culture, therefore, the extent to which many different languages - including European and Chinese languages -  reveal a surprising number of similarities, is a wonder. How is it possible? Transmission of a homogeneous linguistic paradigm via "genes" may not be an answer of the trans-continental linguistic likeness due to the absence of sunstantial interactions between the two languages in ancient times. Then, the possibility of linguistic "memes," or an agent of the "spontaneous surges" which is not limited by the border of the body, deserves an academic investigation.