The Study of Language – George Yule Chapter 2: Animals and Human Language

The Study of Language – George Yule

Chapter 2: Animals and Human Language (Exam-Oriented Notes)

This chapter is very important because exam questions often test your ability to compare human and animal communication systems

Key Points to Remember

Animal Communication vs. Human Language

Bees dance → communicate distance & direction of food

Birdsongs → territory, mating

Dogs, cats → signals, cries

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​​​​​​​The Study of Language – George Yule Chapter 1: The Origins of Language

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The Study of Language – George Yule

Chapter 1: The Origins of Language (Exam-Oriented Notes)

The book The Study of Language by George Yule is one of the main references for the M.A. entrance exam in TEFL and related majors. Many questions in the test come directly from its chapters, so studying it carefully is essential. Let’s start with Chapter 1: The Origins of Language

Key Points to Remember

Divine Source Theory

The belief that language is a gift from God(s)

Example: Hindu tradition (speech given by Sarasvati), Biblical story (Adam naming animals)

Exam trap: distinguish between religious explanation vs. scientific evidence

Natural Sound Source

Bow-wow theory: language began from imitating natural sounds

Pooh-pooh theory: language began from instinctive cries (pain, joy, anger)

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