Some anthropologists theorize that it wasn't the creation and use of tools that marked the emergence of early humans from their more animal-like ancestors, but the beginning of genuin
oral, and later pictorial communication. The development of a genuine
system of writing, thoug
came much later, as some societies transitioned from hunter-gatherer to permanent agrarian
communities. This nelifestyrequired counting property - like parcels of land, livestock or
measures of crops - and also the ability to transfer ownership of things from one individual or
settlement to another. Early such record-keeping was done with "counting tokens" about 9,000
years ago. But these tokens eventually were replaced by symbols that could be pressed or
inscribed into clay, and this marked the beginning of a written language. These symbols began
as pictures that represented what they pictured, but over time pictures also began to represent
concepts and, eventually sounds. Thus, written language was a natural outgrowth of an
increasingly agrarian society.

Read the following excerpt from leslie marmon silko’s story "the man to send rain clouds." the priest stared down at his scuffed brown loafers and the worn hem of his cassock. “for a christian burial it was necessary.” his voice was distant, and leon thought that his blue eyes looked tired. “it's o. k., father, we just want him to have plenty of water.” the priest sank down into the green chair and picked up a glossy missionary magazine. he turned the colored pages full of lepers and pagans without looking at them. “you know i can't do that, leon. there should have been the last rites and a funeral mass at the very least.” leon put on his green cap and pulled the flaps down over his ears. “it's getting late, father. i've got to go.” which of the following statements best describes the thematic significance of this dialogue? this dialogue emphasizes the ongoing personal conflict between leon and father paul. this conversation between leon and father paul makes it clear that they will never come to an agreement. leon’s and father paul’s differing perspectives of the situation reflect their larger cultural conflicts. leon’s hasty exit from father paul’s house reflects his discomfort with the priest and christianity.