Human Self‐Domestication and the Evolution of Pragmatics

Abstract

As proposed for the emergence of modern languages, we argue that modern uses of languages (pragmatics) also evolved gradually in our species under the effects of human self‐domestication, with three key aspects involved in a complex feedback loop: (a) a reduction in reactive aggression, (b) the sophistication of language structure (with emerging grammars initially facilitating the transition from physical aggression to verbal aggression); and (c) the potentiation of pragmatic principles governing conversation, including, but not limited to, turn‐taking and inferential abilities. Our core hypothesis is that the reduction in reactive aggression, one of the key factors in self‐domestication processes, enabled us to fully exploit our cognitive and interactional potential as applied to linguistic exchanges, and ultimately to evolve a specific form of communication governed by persuasive reciprocity—a trait of human conversation characterized by both competition and cooperation. In turn, both early crude forms of language, well suited for verbal aggression/insult, and later more sophisticated forms of language, well suited for persuasive reciprocity, significantly contributed to the resolution and reduction of (physical) aggression, thus having a return effect on the self‐domestication processes. Supporting evidence for our proposal, as well as grounds for further testing, comes mainly from the consideration of cognitive disorders, which typically simultaneously present abnormal features of self‐domestication (including aggressive behavior) and problems with pragmatics and social functioning. While various approaches to language evolution typically reduce it to a single factor, our approach considers language evolution as a multifactorial process, with each player acting upon the other, engaging in an intense mutually reinforcing feedback loop. Moreover, we see language evolution as a gradual process, continuous with the pre‐linguistic cognitive abilities, which were engaged in a positive feedback loop with linguistic innovations, and where gene‐culture co‐evolution and cultural niche construction were the main driving forces.

Abnormal features of human self‐domestication in bipolar disorder

“…Because of the relevance of the self‐domestication hypothesis for explaining human evolution (see Hare, 2017, for discussion), including cognitive evolution, both neurotypical and neurodiverse (Benítez‐Burraco et al, 2023; Benítez‐Burraco, Ferretti, et al, 2021; Benítez‐Burraco & Progovac, 2021), and more generally, because of the strong link that exists between human evolution and complex disease (Benton et al, 2021; Marigorta et al, 2011; Quintana‐Murci, 2016), the genes we highlight in this paper should be considered as potentially relevant aetiological factors of BD. That said, we wish to acknowledge two potential limitations of our approach.…”

“…Accordingly, even if the human self‐domestication hypothesis proves to be incorrect. there is convincing evidence that reactive aggression has declined in our species and that increased prosociality is a core feature of the human condition and a prerequisite for setting the foundations of our complex cultural niche and ultimately, for the improvement of many human behaviours, including language (Benítez‐Burraco, Ferretti, et al, 2021; Thomas & Kirby, 2018; Wrangham, 2018). There is also convincing evidence that changes in aggression management impact on many aspects of the human phenotype: From the body, to cognition, to behaviour, providing a potential rationale for the effects of the environment (particularly, stressors) on the human condition.…”

Human self‐domestication and the evolution of prosody

“…As reasoned for example in Benítez‐Burraco et al. (2021), the sophistication of human pragmatics under the effects of HSD would have happened quite recently, seemingly during this Stage 3. This is in accordance with the late emergence of sophisticated pragmatic abilities in our species, but also with the delayed command by children of these prosodic markers with a pragmatic/discursive role.…”

“…Although the focus is put on the interactions with grammar, the sophistication of prosody can be expected to have contributed as well to the improvement of our pragmatic abilities. For instance, our notable conversational abilities depend on a good command of prosodic cues, as in turn‐taking (for a more detailed discussion of the effects of HSD on pragmatics, see Benítez‐Burraco et al., 2021).…”

The (Co)Evolution of Language and Music Under Human Self-Domestication

“…On the behavioral side, increased HSD favored prolonged face-to-face interactions, long-term cooperation, and consideration for others’ needs. Overall, these cognitive and behavioral changes enabled communication of more complex meanings by indirect means (see Benítez-Burraco et al, 2021 for a detailed view).…”