Why do languages break their rules so much? (e.g. irregular verbs)
In: 10
Because language predates “rules.” Cavemen didn’t sit around thinking up abstract rules like, “lets add an s to every word to make it plural” or “let’s figure out how to conjugate all of our verbs according to the subject in a consistent way.” The idea of “plural” or “verb” or “subject” just simply wasn’t a thing.
Rather, they wanted to communicate that they needed that rock over there. So they would put to the rock and go “ug.” So “ug” becomes the word for “rock.”
Rules would come later, as our capability for abstract thought increased and we a desire to organize and arrange this ad hoc verbal system of communication.
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