Gossip, Conversation and Group Size: Language as a Bonding Mechanism

In: Irish journal of sociology: IJS : the journal of the Sociological Association of Ireland = Iris socheolaı́ochta na hÉireann, Volume 19, Issue 1, p. 116-131

Abstract

Humans share social skills with other primates, but at the same time they possess cognitive capacities that make them unique as a social species. One explanation that could be advanced is that language and verbal communication might play an important role in differentiating humans from other primates (Tomasello 1999; Dunbar 1993, 1996). Different arguments have been provided to explain how language intervenes as supporting species-specific social skills. One is that language could have an important role as a bonding mechanism. The approach here is based on Robin Dunbar's (1993) claim that language is a bonding process related to social group formation. Language as a bonding mechanism contributes to the extension of group size. The paper provides a language-based interpretation of social networks conceived as a complementary approach to the one propounded by Dunbar. Another claim is added to Dunbar's argument by considering the fact that language must generate social ties and networks if it is to increase group size. The main argument is that language creates virtual networks by projecting social ties as public representations available to be reported and assessed (Livet and Nef 2009).