Chapter 4. Two types of bodily-mimetic communication

Abstract

In this paper, we outline a novel approach to the study of pantomime, through applying the logic of evolutionary signalling theory to analysing the properties of the proposed precursors of language, in particular bodily-mimetic communication. We rely on a classic account by Krebs & Dawkins (1984), who outline two very different trajectories of the evolution of communication: into conspicuous, repetitive, exaggerated, and loud displays (expensive hype) versus cheap, subtle, inconspicuous and efficient messages (conspiratorial whispers). Pantomimic scenarios of language origins envisage a progression from mimetic to conventional communication, i.e., towards greater efficiency and expressive power, thereby assuming the latter trajectory. We argue that as a default, bodily mimetic communication is instead predicted to follow (or, remain trapped in) the expensive-hype trajectory, resulting in the communicative uses of the body that are defined by a high cost, such as artistic, sexual or ritual displays. The development of such forms of communication into systems increasingly resembling language could not happen on the surface level of communicative properties alone. Such changes could instead only happen as a result of the communication system switching to the efficient trajectory, which requires very special socio-ecological conditions.