Scholarly Article

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

Wężowicz-Ziółkowska, Dobrosława

2013-01-01 · Poznańskie Studia Slawistyczne · Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan

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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.

Keywords

word, evolution, adaptation, sex, deceit, gossip, natural selection, sexual selection

Citation Details

Poznańskie Studia Slawistyczne