Final answer:
The design features of human language, such as meta language, are integral to human cooperation and culture. Language's complexity is unique to humans, involving a coevolution of biological and cultural aspects that facilitated the development of advanced tools and survival tactics.
Step-by-step explanation:
The design features of human language constitute one of the most significant distinctions between humans and other species. Renowned biologist Mark Pagel regards language as a form of 'social technology' that has been pivotal in the evolution of cooperation among human beings. Human language is marked by its ability to use meta language, which refers to language talking about language itself, a concept that allows for self-reflection and advanced communication. Moreover, the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis proposes that language shapes thought and categorization in the natural world, suggesting a deep connection between language and cognition. Language's role in the development of culture, innovation, and cooperative ventures underscores its significance in human evolution and our unique ability to communicate complex ideas and abstract concepts.
The biological and cultural components of language development are intertwined, creating what is described as a reciprocal system of biocultural coevolution. Certain linguistic features are universal to all human languages due to shared anatomy and cognitive abilities. These linguistic universals reflect our common humanity, regardless of cultural diversity. The emergence of language has been identified as a key factor in the flourishing of human culture, seen through inventions such as stone tools and the use of fire, which enhanced survival and promoted the transmission of culture and associated biological features.