Café Scientifique on Thursday 14 September 2006 at 17:30,
Café Morkku, Läntinen teatterikuja 1, Helsinki Former accounts of the existence of language stressed its
utilitarian side, by comparing information with a good that can be exchanged
and that may increase the collective welfare. In the new view, reported facts
are just an excuse for speakers to demonstrate, for instance, that they have
got the news before the others. In a species forming large solidarity networks,
much larger than in other primate species, it is crucial to have well-informed
friends. In everyday chatter, human beings miss no opportunity to show that
they have this quality, even in the most futile matters. Human conversation evolved
as an arena for showing off one’s ability to be relevant. Dessalles, J-L. Why We Talk. Oxford University Press (to be
published by the end of 2006).
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Title: Café Scientifique on Thursday 14 September 2006