who does this stuff?

[clairey-s]

who invented money, and why is it different now to years ago? and in different parts of the world?

who invented words, i mean if cavemen used to point to stuff and go 'ug', who decided that the word for a rock was a rock etc??

:s
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[Catso]

Money is just the next logical step after bartering as it enables people to trade without them necessarily making a direct barter. I'd imagine it started as IOUs from barter, which ended up being bartered in their own right.

It's a very clever concept, though (until government gets involved, anyway!), isn't it? We'd be a bit stuffed without it.

Words: that one's puzzled me, as well!

[dawkins]

Clairey-s

Catso's explanation of the evolution of money can also be applied to language. What began as signalling such as courtship displays and warning cries developed through pointing and uging to the complex grammar we have today. So language has evolved through accumulating changes. As language has evolved, our ability to understand grammar has become part of our genetic make up and is passed on through our genes. See the following article about the universal grammar.

http://www.brainconnection.com/topics/?main=fa /evolution-language4

D

[ugly_bob]

Many words originally come around randomly in their original language, different variations on ug etc.
Just depends on what someone felt like at the time.

"Bullfrogs? That's a strange name. I'd have called them chazzwozzers"

[The Big Gill]

Ancient people had items which were not for any practical use apart from adornment and decoration. So if we imagine Ug has hunted enough animals to have meat, skins, etc. for his own needs, but sees that Thag is shivering, and in need of a nice warm fur and also has a nice set of cowrie shells around his neck...they get together, and make the exchange. Later on, W'gaag sees Ug's set of shells, and offers him some of the fish she's caught for them. Ug fancies a change of diet and is bored with the shells. Bingo, the root of all evil is born...

[The Big Gill]

Words - aren't some sounds universal? Like the ones you make in disgust, fear, approval, pleasure, shock, etc.? Maybe they formed the roots of a language.

[joko]

I am afraid that i'd have to say, that after much consideration and in all seriousness, that I very probably would have plumped for chazzwozzers too.

[clairey-s]

i think i might hav t agree, and thanks all
=D
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