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Word in Evolution. Lies, Sex, Gossips and... Friends on Facebook

Author(s): Dobrosława Wężowicz-Ziółkowska
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies
Published by: Uniwersytet Adama Mickiewicza
Keywords: word; evolution; adaptation; sex; deceit; gossip; natural selection; sexual selection

Summary/Abstract: The essay shows the main conceptions upon a biological power of a word: the macchiavellian theory/ theory of a lie, the mating mind theory, that means a theory of handicaps, and the social selection theory of S. Dunbar. The author proposes a thesis that a speech takes its power from the biological determinants of the origin of a language, and proves it by fusing various contemporary biological concepts. It is a biological evolution that founds the power of words, and also explains the magic of words in the various types of relations – among society, but also between sexes, generations and finally, among individuals considered in a biological sense.

  • Issue Year: 2013
  • Issue No: 04
  • Page Range: 205-220
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: Polish