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  3. Although language is used to transmit information, the informative functions of language are blended with older and deeper funct

Although language is used to transmit information, the informative functions of language are blended with older and deeper funct

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问题     Although language is used to transmit information, the informative functions of language are blended with older and deeper functions so that only a small portion of our everyday speech can be described as purely informative. The ability to use language for strictly informative purposes was probably developed relatively late in the course of linguistic(语言上的) evolution.
    Long before that time, our ancestors probably made the sorts of cries animals do to express feelings of hunger, fear, loneliness, and the like. Gradually these noises seem to have become more differentiated (能区分开的), transforming the cries into language ns we know it today.
    Although we have developed language in which accurate reports may be given, we still use language as vocal(发声的) equivalents of gestures such as crying in pain. When words are used as the vocal equivalent of expressive gestures, language is functioning in presymbolic ways. These presymbolic uses of language co-exist with our symbolic system so that the talking we do in everyday life is a thorough blending of symbolic and presymbolic language.
    What we call social conversation is mainly presymbolic in character. When we are at a large social gathering, for example, we all have to talk. It is typical of these conversations that, except among very good friends, few of the remarks made have any informative value. We talk together about nothing at all and thereby establish a relationship.
    There is a principle at work in the selection of the subject matter we consider appropriate for social conversation. Since the purpose of this kind of talk is the establishment of communication, we are careful to select subjects about which agreement is immediately possible. With each new agreement, no matter how commonplace, the fear and suspicion of the stranger wear away, and the possibility of friendship emerges. When further conversation reveals that we have friends or political views or artistic values or hobbies in common, a friend is made, and genuine communication and cooperation can begin.
With regard to the evolution of language, which of the following statements is TRUE?
选项 A、The origin of language can be traced back to the early man’s imitation of noises made by animals.
B、Meaningless cries preceded the origin of language.
C、In the process of evolution, language is mainly non-informative.
D、Originally, language is the indistinguishable forms of cries.
答案C
解析
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