Wolfgang Wildgen Evolutionary Pragmatics Late Spring School Cognitive Semiotics Sofia, NBU 29th of...

Wolfgang WildgenWolfgang WildgenEvolutionary PragmaticsEvolutionary Pragmatics

Late Spring SchoolLate Spring School

Cognitive SemioticsCognitive Semiotics

Sofia, NBU 29th of MaySofia, NBU 29th of May

Wolfgang Wildgen Evolutionary PraWolfgang Wildgen Evolutionary Pragmaticsgmatics

22

Condillac`s thesisCondillac`s thesis Abbé de Condillac formulated in 1746 the thesis that Abbé de Condillac formulated in 1746 the thesis that

language issued from a signaling behavior/language based language issued from a signaling behavior/language based on non signaling behavior; i.e. a “language” of action.on non signaling behavior; i.e. a “language” of action.

This was considered as the common ground making animal This was considered as the common ground making animal communication and human language comparable.communication and human language comparable.

As a corollary he assumed a language of gestures prior to a As a corollary he assumed a language of gestures prior to a phonic language in the development of early men.phonic language in the development of early men.

He is thus the grandfather of evolutionary pragmatics; the He is thus the grandfather of evolutionary pragmatics; the father would be Darwin who assumes a father would be Darwin who assumes a realreal continuity continuity between species and as a consequence on the behavioral between species and as a consequence on the behavioral side a continuity between animal communication and side a continuity between animal communication and human language.human language.


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Basic thesis of evolutionary Basic thesis of evolutionary pragmaticspragmatics

1.1. Pragmatic principles , i.e. those governing Pragmatic principles , i.e. those governing the behavioral patterns and motion schemata the behavioral patterns and motion schemata of animate beings are the bottom line of any of animate beings are the bottom line of any signaling behavior.signaling behavior.

2.2. In the transition of social signaling to social In the transition of social signaling to social language the meaning of linguistic signs is language the meaning of linguistic signs is primarily motivated by the action they allow primarily motivated by the action they allow or even constitute (define).or even constitute (define).


44

Ernst Cassirer (1874 – 1945) and his Ernst Cassirer (1874 – 1945) and his „philosophy of symbolic forms“ „philosophy of symbolic forms“

(1923-29)(1923-29)


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On the relation between different On the relation between different symbolic formssymbolic forms

For Cassirer the symbolic organization of thinking For Cassirer the symbolic organization of thinking (giving symbolic form to pre-symbolic thought) (giving symbolic form to pre-symbolic thought) demarcates the transition between nature and culture.demarcates the transition between nature and culture.

The symbolic forms are manifestations of man’s The symbolic forms are manifestations of man’s basic symbolic capacity.basic symbolic capacity.

They emerge as a plurality: myth, language, science. They emerge as a plurality: myth, language, science. Intermediary symbolic forms are technology and art.Intermediary symbolic forms are technology and art.

It follows that the evolution of symbolic behavior It follows that the evolution of symbolic behavior may be followed in all these manifestations. may be followed in all these manifestations.

As a consequence it is possible to use the evolution of As a consequence it is possible to use the evolution of technology and art to fill observational lacunae in the technology and art to fill observational lacunae in the evolution of language.evolution of language.

Some facts about the Some facts about the evolution of technologies and evolution of technologies and

artart


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Instrumentality in higher mammals and manInstrumentality in higher mammals and man The use of instruments and the goal-oriented adaptation The use of instruments and the goal-oriented adaptation

(manufacturing) of tools can be observed in many orders of (manufacturing) of tools can be observed in many orders of animals: ants (insects), birds, and mammals all use simple animals: ants (insects), birds, and mammals all use simple instruments. In some cases, this allows them to access difficult instruments. In some cases, this allows them to access difficult areas of their body (elephants) or to reach under surfaces. areas of their body (elephants) or to reach under surfaces. Chimpanzees shape twigs to facilitate “fishing” for termites in Chimpanzees shape twigs to facilitate “fishing” for termites in termite-hills. termite-hills.

The use of instruments may be inborn and even the evolution of The use of instruments may be inborn and even the evolution of limbs may be connected to instrumental functions, i.e., limbs are limbs may be connected to instrumental functions, i.e., limbs are “shaped” evolutionarily to adapt for specific instrumental “shaped” evolutionarily to adapt for specific instrumental functions. Thus, primate and human hands take over functions functions. Thus, primate and human hands take over functions originally located in the head (mouth) for attack, defense, originally located in the head (mouth) for attack, defense, preparation of food, for mastication, etc. preparation of food, for mastication, etc.

Our gestured language, facial expressions, art practices and Our gestured language, facial expressions, art practices and vocal language presuppose a kind of “instrumental” evolution of vocal language presuppose a kind of “instrumental” evolution of the human (and hominid) hand and face.the human (and hominid) hand and face.


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Possible evolutionary steps leading to cave art

10 million y. 7 million y. 2 million y. 400.000 y. 40.000

Primates like gorillas, orang-utans and chimpanzees

Australopithecus, upright locomotion

Homo erectus, lithic technology, protolanguage

H. sapiens, language

Cave art


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The development of tool-use and tool making implies The development of tool-use and tool making implies learning, social imitation or even teaching. Tembrok learning, social imitation or even teaching. Tembrok (1977: 186 f) distinguishes six levels:(1977: 186 f) distinguishes six levels:

ad-hoc tool-usingad-hoc tool-using purposeful tool-usingpurposeful tool-using tool-modifying for immediate purposetool-modifying for immediate purpose tool-modifying for future eventualitytool-modifying for future eventuality ad-hoc-tool-makingad-hoc-tool-making cultural tool-making cultural tool-making The last stage, “cultural tool-making”, can only be The last stage, “cultural tool-making”, can only be

observed in primates and in man.observed in primates and in man.

The evolution of tool use


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Lithic technologies. Left: reconstruction of the technique; right: products of the Levallois technique

Human tool use in the Paleolithic


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The Design of Lithic InstrumentsThe Design of Lithic Instruments

The industry had to consider the following factors:The industry had to consider the following factors: Form and quality of a stone found (this includes a Form and quality of a stone found (this includes a

geographic knowledge of places, where they may geographic knowledge of places, where they may be found).be found).

Splitting of the stone and isolation of the kernel.Splitting of the stone and isolation of the kernel. Separation of sharp blades from the kernel.Separation of sharp blades from the kernel. Use of instruments for choking stone on one side Use of instruments for choking stone on one side

and use of stone instruments for the and use of stone instruments for the manufacturing of other instruments (bone and manufacturing of other instruments (bone and wood).wood).


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Handaxe in the early Paleolithic

(above)

Abbévillien-

Biface (Le Stade)

Le Champs de Mars

(below)

Middle

Acheuléen

(Saint Acheul)

(cf. Weiner, 1972: 130)

Abbévillien= 600.000-350.000, second glacial period; Acheuléen= 350.000-100.000; third glacial period


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(left) Moustérien; until 40.000, fourth glacial period; Charente

(middle), La Quina

(right) , La Quina (all in the Mousterian period)


1414

Blades from the Solutrean

Blades from the Magdale-nean


1515

Stages of Stages of glaciationsglaciations

ky BPky BP Lithic Lithic technologiestechnologies

Stylistic periods of cave art in Stylistic periods of cave art in France (recent man)France (recent man)

InterglacialInterglacial 128-128-118118

Core/chopping Core/chopping tooltool

No cave art found yetNo cave art found yet

Early Early glacial/temperate glacial/temperate

118-75118-75 Flake, core Flake, core /chopping tool/chopping tool

Early glacial, glacialEarly glacial, glacial 75-3275-32 Handaxes, Handaxes, scrapersscrapers

Full glacialFull glacial 32-1332-13 BladesBlades Perigordian (ca. 34 ky-19 ky)Perigordian (ca. 34 ky-19 ky)Aurignacian Aurignacian (33 – 18 ky)(33 – 18 ky)

Late glacialLate glacial 13-1013-10 Microlithic Microlithic elementselements

Solutrean (18 –16 ky)Solutrean (18 –16 ky)Magdalenian (16 – 10 ky)Magdalenian (16 – 10 ky)

Current interglacialCurrent interglacial 10-010-0 Transition to the metallic agesTransition to the metallic ages

From tool-use to cave art Periods in ky = 1000y.


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The beginning of graphical artThe beginning of graphical art

The beginning of graphical arts can be dated by the first The beginning of graphical arts can be dated by the first appearance of concentrated color pigments in the context of appearance of concentrated color pigments in the context of hominid dwellings. Barham (2001) reports that in south central hominid dwellings. Barham (2001) reports that in south central Africa pieces of iron hematite (often called ochre) and Africa pieces of iron hematite (often called ochre) and specularite were recovered from an archeological site near Twin specularite were recovered from an archeological site near Twin Rivers, in Zambia. They had been brought to the site, processed Rivers, in Zambia. They had been brought to the site, processed and rubbed against surfaces. One can infer that these materials and rubbed against surfaces. One can infer that these materials were used to color objects, bodies or surfaces. The use of such were used to color objects, bodies or surfaces. The use of such pigments establishes a continuity, which reaches from the pigments establishes a continuity, which reaches from the archeological sites mentionedarcheological sites mentioned (i.e., from 270.000y. BP) to (i.e., from 270.000y. BP) to contemporary hunter-gathers in the Kalahari. The first contemporary hunter-gathers in the Kalahari. The first engravings on stone were also found in Africa and can be dated engravings on stone were also found in Africa and can be dated to 70.000y. BP. One can conclude that archaic Homo sapiens to 70.000y. BP. One can conclude that archaic Homo sapiens used colors to paint (e.g., their bodies, objects, and/or large used colors to paint (e.g., their bodies, objects, and/or large surfaces).surfaces).


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Rock engravings and later plastic art in stone may Rock engravings and later plastic art in stone may be understood as the origin of representational art. be understood as the origin of representational art.

As this line also leads to the invention abstract As this line also leads to the invention abstract (motivated by cultural memory) signs and finally (motivated by cultural memory) signs and finally to writing, the modern cultures of fine arts and to writing, the modern cultures of fine arts and literature have their origin in Paleolithic symbol literature have their origin in Paleolithic symbol techniques. techniques.

Color was originally used for body-painting, later Color was originally used for body-painting, later in the context of funeral practices, and finally in in the context of funeral practices, and finally in the art of caves (after 40.000 BP)the art of caves (after 40.000 BP)

Rock-engravings and color use


1818

Drawings on portable artDrawings on portable art

Bone of a mammoth with ornaments from Mezin (Ucrainia)

The engraved bone in the possession of a person and the engraving on it may be used as a prototype (or a model of imitation) which orients further perception of similar objects. It is also an object of value (it can be given, stolen, inherited or buried with the owner). Becoming an object of value marks the point of transition to ritual and magical objects.


1919

Varieties of Venus-Figures in Western- and Eastern

Europe.

A: Willendorf; B: Lespuge;

C: Grimaldi; D: Dolné-Vêstonice,; E,F und L: Kostienki;

G: Khotylevo; H und J: Avdevo;

I und K: Gargarino

The dominance of female statuettes and female symbols (“vulvas”) was interpreted as the consequence of a more “gendered” society in the Upper Paleolithic. Eventually a more egalitarian society was replaced by a society with social differentiation and a divergence between female and male roles

From: Sanchidrián, 2001: 12


2020

Abstract representations of human bodies

Males and females

Russia


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Paleolithic cave paintingsPaleolithic cave paintings Cave paintings occur mainly in an area north and west of the Cave paintings occur mainly in an area north and west of the

Pyrenees: mainly in Périgord, Toulouse (France) and Cantabrica Pyrenees: mainly in Périgord, Toulouse (France) and Cantabrica (Spain). Probably the area was a very early economic “Kulturbund” (Spain). Probably the area was a very early economic “Kulturbund” (network of civilizations) in Europe. The herds of reindeer (as in (network of civilizations) in Europe. The herds of reindeer (as in northern Finland today) defined the relevant ecological dynamics. northern Finland today) defined the relevant ecological dynamics. They probably came to the plains in winter and returned to higher They probably came to the plains in winter and returned to higher grounds in the Pyrenees, the Cantabrica Mountains or the Massif grounds in the Pyrenees, the Cantabrica Mountains or the Massif Central in France in summer. The populations of Cro-Magnon men Central in France in summer. The populations of Cro-Magnon men followed the herds and thus met other populations in southern followed the herds and thus met other populations in southern France and northern Spain.France and northern Spain.

Other forms of Paleolithic art show an extension of this cultural Other forms of Paleolithic art show an extension of this cultural region to Switzerland, Italy, Southern Germany and Eastern region to Switzerland, Italy, Southern Germany and Eastern Europe.Europe.


2222

Drawing techniques and body motionDrawing techniques and body motion

Monochrome drawing of a horse (Peña de Candamo)


2323

Patterns of locomotion are not only relevant for the content of Patterns of locomotion are not only relevant for the content of pictures but also for their production. Beltran et al (1998: 72) have pictures but also for their production. Beltran et al (1998: 72) have shown that painters in the cave of Altamira stood with their left arm shown that painters in the cave of Altamira stood with their left arm on the cave wall and traced along it to get a long curved line; i.e., on the cave wall and traced along it to get a long curved line; i.e., they used their (left) arm and hand as a mold for lines. In a similar they used their (left) arm and hand as a mold for lines. In a similar way the natural motion of the arm with fixed body was the basis for way the natural motion of the arm with fixed body was the basis for larger curved lines, e.g., the shoulder and back of a bison, i.e., the larger curved lines, e.g., the shoulder and back of a bison, i.e., the human limbs were used as instruments in a ritualized act of human limbs were used as instruments in a ritualized act of painting. The drawing of a bison can thus be decomposed into a painting. The drawing of a bison can thus be decomposed into a series of natural motion patterns, which begin at the head and end series of natural motion patterns, which begin at the head and end at the hind legs (variants of this technique are common). at the hind legs (variants of this technique are common).

The surface can be further structured by lines which separate light The surface can be further structured by lines which separate light and dark parts, or by areas with different color or texture and and dark parts, or by areas with different color or texture and further details can be added. In this context it is worthwhile to note further details can be added. In this context it is worthwhile to note that certain body parts of animals receive special attention: the hair that certain body parts of animals receive special attention: the hair of a bison or its eye and nose (in Altamira), the heads of horses of a bison or its eye and nose (in Altamira), the heads of horses (e.g., a sequence of four heads with necks in cave Chauvet) and of (e.g., a sequence of four heads with necks in cave Chauvet) and of lions (e.g., the sketched or elaborated heads and necks in cavelions (e.g., the sketched or elaborated heads and necks in cave


2424

The cultural achievement of Paleolithic art presupposes a The cultural achievement of Paleolithic art presupposes a rather general grid of meanings on the level of values in a rather general grid of meanings on the level of values in a probably multilingual society of hunters. It would be probably multilingual society of hunters. It would be exceptional if the existence of a large-scale system of values exceptional if the existence of a large-scale system of values for exchange had not produced a collective system of for exchange had not produced a collective system of meanings.meanings.

The diversity of conventional signs (cf. Leroi-Gourhan, 1992: The diversity of conventional signs (cf. Leroi-Gourhan, 1992: 137-140) shows a range of distribution corresponding in size 137-140) shows a range of distribution corresponding in size to actual dialect-areas and suggests that the populations living to actual dialect-areas and suggests that the populations living in the Franco-Cantabric area had many different subcultures. in the Franco-Cantabric area had many different subcultures.

Nevertheless these “dialects” formed an assembly on the level Nevertheless these “dialects” formed an assembly on the level of basic semantics and pragmatics used in cultural contacts, of basic semantics and pragmatics used in cultural contacts, rituals, in the oral tradition of myths and the practice of rituals, in the oral tradition of myths and the practice of rituals. rituals.

They formed probably one of the largest preliterate symbolic They formed probably one of the largest preliterate symbolic civilizations before the introduction of writing.civilizations before the introduction of writing.


2525

Paleolithic paintings contain many signs, which cannot be Paleolithic paintings contain many signs, which cannot be interpreted as pictures or figures. The transition between interpreted as pictures or figures. The transition between iconic signs and abstract signs (symbols) occurs first with iconic signs and abstract signs (symbols) occurs first with very frequent contents. Two human body-parts appear very frequent contents. Two human body-parts appear regularly in the paintings and engravings:regularly in the paintings and engravings:

The human hand.The human hand. The female vulva.The female vulva. In the case of the hand the most concrete picture is created In the case of the hand the most concrete picture is created

either by pressing the (left) hand on the wall and painting the either by pressing the (left) hand on the wall and painting the contours (or by spraying chewed color with the mouth) or by contours (or by spraying chewed color with the mouth) or by painting the hand with color and pressing it against the wall. painting the hand with color and pressing it against the wall. The picture is really the The picture is really the tracetrace of the hand (it indicates the act of the hand (it indicates the act of touching the wall with the hand). Other tokens abstract the of touching the wall with the hand). Other tokens abstract the shape of the human hand to a line (a band) with three, four, shape of the human hand to a line (a band) with three, four, five branchesfive branches


2626

Styled Represen-Styled Represen-tations of handstations of hands

Cave Santian (Spain)).Cave Santian (Spain)).

First signs of abstraction


2727

The relation of hands to their body is The relation of hands to their body is metonymical (pars pro toto), i.e., one can metonymical (pars pro toto), i.e., one can guess the whole if one has the necessary guess the whole if one has the necessary knowledge, which is easy in the case of the knowledge, which is easy in the case of the hand. In some cases, the hands are deformed hand. In some cases, the hands are deformed (e.g., have only four fingers); they could (e.g., have only four fingers); they could therefore be the personal signature of a therefore be the personal signature of a painter; some authors even guessed an painter; some authors even guessed an underlying gestured language. underlying gestured language.


2828

Methonymic abstraction Methonymic abstraction

Giant deerContours of a deer’s head

Sketch of a deer’s head

Graphical and writing Graphical and writing technologies as symbolic technologies as symbolic

manifestations parallel to an manifestations parallel to an evolved (but not yet evolved (but not yet

diocumented) languagediocumented) language


3030

Many pictures in the painted caves cannot be linked with specific Many pictures in the painted caves cannot be linked with specific contents, from which they are derived. Leroi-Gourhan (1992: contents, from which they are derived. Leroi-Gourhan (1992: chapter IX) made an inventory of the Franco-Cantabric signs chapter IX) made an inventory of the Franco-Cantabric signs and distinguished three major classes:and distinguished three major classes:

small signs (e.g., sticks and ramified forms),small signs (e.g., sticks and ramified forms), full signs; e.g., triangles, squares, rectangles (tecti-forms), key full signs; e.g., triangles, squares, rectangles (tecti-forms), key

shapes (clavi-forms), andshapes (clavi-forms), and punctuated signs.punctuated signs.Leroi-Gourhan comes to the conclusion that all these signs have Leroi-Gourhan comes to the conclusion that all these signs have

only a very indirect association with the animals represented in only a very indirect association with the animals represented in the paintings. They are a supplementary code. This is very the paintings. They are a supplementary code. This is very clear in Lascaux, where signs and pictures are systematically clear in Lascaux, where signs and pictures are systematically combined into one gestalt and have corresponding sizes (cf. combined into one gestalt and have corresponding sizes (cf. ibidem: 337).ibidem: 337).


3131

Combination Combination (and (and separation) of separation) of pictorial and pictorial and abstract signs abstract signs in the in the Paleolithic Paleolithic period.period.

(cf. J. Jelinek, 1975, (cf. J. Jelinek, 1975, 433)433)

The abstract sign is of the tectiform type


3232

The small signs could be derived by “disjunction”, i.e., The small signs could be derived by “disjunction”, i.e., certain figural features from pictures are isolated, cut certain figural features from pictures are isolated, cut off. The general tendency is one of geometrical off. The general tendency is one of geometrical abstraction. Small pictures as in portable art could have abstraction. Small pictures as in portable art could have triggered the abstraction. The conventionalized triggered the abstraction. The conventionalized miniature signs were later added to full-scale pictures miniature signs were later added to full-scale pictures in the cave paintings. This is the same process as the in the cave paintings. This is the same process as the one observed in the evolution of early writing systems, one observed in the evolution of early writing systems, e.g., in Egypt. e.g., in Egypt.

Leroi-Gourhan associates these signs with the male sex Leroi-Gourhan associates these signs with the male sex (as phallic symbols). Full signs are associated with the (as phallic symbols). Full signs are associated with the female sex. Either they are derived from the form of female sex. Either they are derived from the form of the vulva, or from a female profile (without head and the vulva, or from a female profile (without head and feet). feet).


3333

The signs called “tecti-forms” or rectangular (cf. ibidem: The signs called “tecti-forms” or rectangular (cf. ibidem: 208 f.) look like huts or shelters and could refer secondarily 208 f.) look like huts or shelters and could refer secondarily to the domain of females (In a matrilineal society, daughters to the domain of females (In a matrilineal society, daughters inherit the house and objects in the house and these are inherit the house and objects in the house and these are associated with the female sex). Figure 17 shows some associated with the female sex). Figure 17 shows some examples from Leroi-Gourhan (1992: 319).examples from Leroi-Gourhan (1992: 319).

The punctuated signs can be related to a basic technique of The punctuated signs can be related to a basic technique of painting and engraving, i.e., to aligned points, which painting and engraving, i.e., to aligned points, which produce a curve or two rows of them, which fill a surface. It produce a curve or two rows of them, which fill a surface. It is thus a discrete variant in the representation of lines and is thus a discrete variant in the representation of lines and surfaces. There is some evidence that counting or surfaces. There is some evidence that counting or representing mathematical structures may underlie these representing mathematical structures may underlie these signssigns


3434

A list of abstract symbolsA list of abstract symbols

Tectiform symbols

1-16;

1-10 Dordogne ( Les Eyzies)

11-16: Northern Spain (Altamira, Castillo, u.a.)

17 23: isolated signs


3535

Transition to writing (the last Transition to writing (the last 10.000 years): Object signs10.000 years): Object signs

Original functions:Original functions:•RepresentationRepresentation of objects for the purpose of objects for the purpose of bookkeeping (a sign stands for an of bookkeeping (a sign stands for an object in the economic world)object in the economic world)•Creation of a representational universe of Creation of a representational universe of discourse (where the buying, selling, discourse (where the buying, selling, transfer., loss etc. of objects is transfer., loss etc. of objects is represented).represented).•Calculation (origin of mathematics)Calculation (origin of mathematics)


3636

The abstraction process from pictures to writing symbols The abstraction process from pictures to writing symbols corresponds to a general mnemonic principle. This is also valid corresponds to a general mnemonic principle. This is also valid for messages in an object language employed by Yoruba tribes for messages in an object language employed by Yoruba tribes and in Australian messenger-sticks. The message is coded for the and in Australian messenger-sticks. The message is coded for the messenger, who “reads” it when he arrives after a long journey. messenger, who “reads” it when he arrives after a long journey. This guarantees that he does not forget important contents, but it This guarantees that he does not forget important contents, but it presupposes that he knows the message. This means that the presupposes that he knows the message. This means that the written message can only be “read” accurately if the reader has a written message can only be “read” accurately if the reader has a knowledge of its contents independently from the “written” knowledge of its contents independently from the “written” document (cf. Friedrich, 1960: 17).document (cf. Friedrich, 1960: 17).

Full-fledged writing-systems presuppose a writing industry, i.e., Full-fledged writing-systems presuppose a writing industry, i.e., the frequent production and usage of writing in proper contexts. the frequent production and usage of writing in proper contexts. The Paleolithic stone industries established the context for the The Paleolithic stone industries established the context for the manufacturing of functionally optimal artifacts (weapons, tools), manufacturing of functionally optimal artifacts (weapons, tools), the Mesolithic and Neolithic picture and symbol industries the Mesolithic and Neolithic picture and symbol industries established the necessary context for writing systemsestablished the necessary context for writing systems


3737

The communicative/functional usage of writing was systematically The communicative/functional usage of writing was systematically developed in Mesopotamia, which became a melting pot of many developed in Mesopotamia, which became a melting pot of many cultures and concentrated large populations into one organized cultures and concentrated large populations into one organized political system. The paths for the exchange of goods, values, and political system. The paths for the exchange of goods, values, and ideas became complex and difficult to control. The civilizations of ideas became complex and difficult to control. The civilizations of Mesopotamia (and the “golden crescent”) took their new shape Mesopotamia (and the “golden crescent”) took their new shape between 11 and 8.000y. BP. The first “token” systems, called “object between 11 and 8.000y. BP. The first “token” systems, called “object languages” by Schmandt-Besserat (1978), appeared ca. during this languages” by Schmandt-Besserat (1978), appeared ca. during this area and were not dramatically changed for almost five millennia. area and were not dramatically changed for almost five millennia. Only in the Bronze Age, between 7,500y. BP and 5,100y. BP, did the Only in the Bronze Age, between 7,500y. BP and 5,100y. BP, did the number of tokens increase and their shape differentiate and finally number of tokens increase and their shape differentiate and finally give rise to Sumerian writing (ca. 5.000y. BP; cf. also Friedrich, 1966: give rise to Sumerian writing (ca. 5.000y. BP; cf. also Friedrich, 1966: 42 f.). The context was not religious but economic. The storage, 42 f.). The context was not religious but economic. The storage, transport and control of goods motivated a system of bookkeeping. A transport and control of goods motivated a system of bookkeeping. A closed jar contained a number of symbolic objects, which stood for closed jar contained a number of symbolic objects, which stood for the goods sent to a destination. On the jar, a list of the symbolic the goods sent to a destination. On the jar, a list of the symbolic objects in the jar was marked. objects in the jar was marked.

The next slide shows the state of the system in the intermediate period The next slide shows the state of the system in the intermediate period of the Bronze age (before Sumerian writing arrived).of the Bronze age (before Sumerian writing arrived).


3838

Early object-symbols (choice from a field of 12 categories)


3939

ConclusionsConclusions The pragmatics of modern languages concern the The pragmatics of modern languages concern the

embedding of linguistic utterances into contexts of use embedding of linguistic utterances into contexts of use (speaker, hearer, situation, time, etc.) and the action (speaker, hearer, situation, time, etc.) and the action patterns, formed by linguistic utterances (i.e. speech patterns, formed by linguistic utterances (i.e. speech acts, conversational sequences). In an evolutionary acts, conversational sequences). In an evolutionary perspective these contexts of action (the ecology, the perspective these contexts of action (the ecology, the group structure) become dominant, because language group structure) become dominant, because language itself is only emerging step-by-step and reshaping, itself is only emerging step-by-step and reshaping, developing the earlier action patterns. At the same time, developing the earlier action patterns. At the same time, the social ecology (and later the physical ecology) is the social ecology (and later the physical ecology) is dramatically changed by the effect of linguistic thinking dramatically changed by the effect of linguistic thinking and communication. and communication.


4040

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Wildgen, Wolfgang, 1999. Hand und Auge. Eine Studie zur Wildgen, Wolfgang, 1999. Hand und Auge. Eine Studie zur Repräsentation und Selbstrepräsentation (kognitive und semantische Repräsentation und Selbstrepräsentation (kognitive und semantische Aspekte). Bremen: Bremen U.P. (download from the homepage: Aspekte). Bremen: Bremen U.P. (download from the homepage: http://www.fb10.uni-bremen.de/homepages/wildgen.htmhttp://www.fb10.uni-bremen.de/homepages/wildgen.htm).).

Wildgen, Wolfgang 2001. Kurt Lewin and the Rise of “Cognitive Wildgen, Wolfgang 2001. Kurt Lewin and the Rise of “Cognitive Sciences” in Germany: Cassirer, Bühler, Reichenbach, in: Sciences” in Germany: Cassirer, Bühler, Reichenbach, in: Albertazzi (2001, 299-332).Albertazzi (2001, 299-332).

Wildgen, Wolfgang, 2004. The Evolution of Human Languages. Wildgen, Wolfgang, 2004. The Evolution of Human Languages. Scenarios, Principles, and Cultural Dynamics, Benjamins, Scenarios, Principles, and Cultural Dynamics, Benjamins, Amsterdam.Amsterdam.

Wildgen, Wolfgang, 2007. Evolutionary Pragmatics, in: Handbook Wildgen, Wolfgang, 2007. Evolutionary Pragmatics, in: Handbook of Pragmatics (compiled by Jef Vrschueren and Jan-Ola Östman, of Pragmatics (compiled by Jef Vrschueren and Jan-Ola Östman, Benjamins, Amsterdam, 2007: Benjamins, Amsterdam, 2007: pdfpdf. .

Wildgen, Wolfgang, 2008. Wildgen, Wolfgang, 2008. Semiotic Hypercycles Driving the Semiotic Hypercycles Driving the Evolution of Language, in: Evolution of Language, in: Axiomathes Axiomathes 18 (1): 91-116: 18 (1): 91-116: pdfpdf..

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