The Origins and Evolution of Language and Communication

Linguistics

This unit explores the multifaceted nature of communication, from its nonverbal and verbal forms to the development of written language. It delves into the historical evolution of language, the reasons behind its development, and the impact of technology. Key concepts covered include body language, sounds, signs, symbols, spoken, internal, and written language, as well as the evolution of writing systems and the concept of code-switching.

Communication Language Evolution

22 Questions Easy Ages 12+ Mar 15, 2026

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About this Study Set

This study set covers Linguistics through 22 practice questions. This unit explores the multifaceted nature of communication, from its nonverbal and verbal forms to the development of written language. It delves into the historical evolution of language, the reasons behind its development, and the impact of technology. Key concepts covered include body language, sounds, signs, symbols, spoken, internal, and written language, as well as the evolution of writing systems and the concept of code-switching. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.

Questions & Answers

Browse all 22 questions from the The Origins and Evolution of Language and Communication study set below. Each question shows the correct answer — select a study format above to practice interactively.

1 Which of the following is NOT a form of non-verbal communication?

A Gestures
B Written language
C Facial expressions
D Body movements

2 According to Mehrabian's findings, what percentage of communication is attributed to verbal elements (words)?

A 55%
B 38%
C 7%
D 35%

3 What is considered a direct picture representation of an object?

A Symbol
B Sign
C Language
D Gesture

4 Which of the following is a characteristic of all languages?

A They are always spoken
B They have unique sounds, rhythm, and movement
C They are static and do not change
D They are only used by humans

5 Language allows humans to perform which of the following actions?

A Only talk about the present
B Share ideas, tell stories, and plan for the future
C Communicate exclusively through gestures
D Understand animal sounds

6 What is the concept of 'internal language' also referred to as?

A External dialogue
B Written correspondence
C Self-talk
D Public speaking

7 Which of these is NOT a benefit of positive self-talk?

A Improves performance
B Increases happiness
C Reduces the need for sleep
D Changes attitude

8 When did written language develop relative to spoken language in human evolution?

A Much earlier
B At the same time
C Relatively recently
D Written language predates spoken language

9 What was an early form of record-keeping that involved pictures impressed into clay?

A Hieroglyphics
B Cuneiform
C Pictographs
D Alphabets

10 The writing system that used a wedge-shaped stylus to press into clay is known as:

A Hieroglyphics
B Cuneiform
C Pictographs
D Cursive

11 Which of the following ancient civilizations developed hieroglyphics?

A Mesopotamia
B Ancient Greece
C Ancient Egypt
D Rome

12 The first alphabets emerged from which regions?

A Greece and Rome
B Sinai and Ugarit
C Egypt and Mesopotamia
D China and India

13 What was a primary motivation for German and British missionaries to develop written forms of indigenous languages in colonized countries?

A To create new literature
B To facilitate trade
C Translating the Bible
D Documenting local flora and fauna

14 Which technological advancement significantly changed writing over the centuries?

A The abacus
B The printing press
C The sundial
D The astrolabe

15 The evolution pattern of language is described as:

A Complex -> Simple -> Complex
B Simple -> Complex -> Simple
C Linear progression
D Cyclical

16 What is 'code switching'?

A Using slang in formal settings
B Moving between languages or dialects during communication
C Translating a document from one language to another
D Speaking in a monotone voice

17 Business English is considered a separate language because:

A It has its own unique alphabet
B It uses completely different grammar structures
C It has a unique vocabulary, style, and corporate culture
D It is only spoken in boardrooms

18 Emojis and emoticons are generally acceptable in:

A Formal emails
B Official documents
C Informal communication
D Legal contracts

19 Good communication on a regular basis helps build what in the workplace?

A Competition
B Distrust
C Trust
D Indifference

20 What is the definition of 'evolution' as a key concept?

A The rapid development of technology
B The gradual change and development of a species over time
C The creation of new words
D The process of translation

21 Which of these is NOT a way to improve business vocabulary?

A Read business news and articles
B Listen to business media
C Avoid learning new words
D Look up unfamiliar words

22 Oral storytelling was important in the past for:

A Entertainment only
B Recording past experiences and passing them on to future generations
C Developing new languages
D Scientific research

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