One Feature of Language Is That It Allows Us to Lie;

question 9

Multiple Choice

One feature of language is that it allows us to lie; if we all lie people will ignore what everyone says. What is the problem with this from the point of view of language evolution?

• A) Language could not be used to maintain such large groups
• B) It would cause conflict between individuals
• C) People could no longer make promises
• D) Language will not be evolutionarily stable

---

Definitions:

Bayley Scales

A series of standardized tests primarily used to assess the developmental functioning of infants and toddlers.

Mirror Neurons

Neurons that fire both when an individual acts and when the individual observes the same action performed by another, thought to be linked to empathy and understanding of others' actions.

Humans

are bipedal primates belonging to the species Homo sapiens, characterized by their ability to create complex tools, languages, and societies.

Nativist View

The perspective that certain skills or abilities are innate and hardwired into the brain at birth.