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Overview
The next time you spend hours talking on your cell phone with your best friend, think about the language you are using. Begin with the more than 600,000 words that are estimated to be in the English language (by the Oxford English Dictionary). Then, think about how you can combine these words in endlessly diverse ways to convey everything from thoughts, dreams, desires, emotions and feelings, to directions, ideas, needs and descriptions. After that, consider that you and your friend understand one another, no matter which words you choose and how you arrange them, as long as you are both following the tacit rules of the English language. Ponder the fact that you utter and hear many phrases without consciously thinking about them, and that you respond instantaneously to these utterances. Stretch the very limits of your imagination to consider the fact that your hardworking brain even takes nonsensical phrases (like stretching the imagination) in stride.
Language is inarguably the hallmark of humanity. The countless and constant ways in which humans use language are astounding. Scientists debate whether the ability to communicate with high degrees of complexity is the predecessor or the consequence of the thinking ability that distinguishes the human species from other animals. In this lesson, Professor Jeffrey Elman explains what aspects of communication humans share with other animals. As he reviews the research and explains the current theories, two main themes are striking:
- The human ability to communicate through language is an extremely unique, highly diversified result of a coordinated collaboration amongst many specialized functions of the brain; and
- Scientific research and the development of scientific theories is progressive, involving collaboration among many specialized scientists.
Why This Science Matters
Scientists have long searched for the genetic basis and the specific mechanisms that allow us to use and develop complex language. Since we share such a large percentage of our genetic material with other animals, it is important for researchers to pay close attention to the subtle genetic and physiological differences that distinguish us from other organisms.
Understanding Language elucidates the trials and tribulations of conducting research on such a unique and highly diversified capability. The unparalleled ability of humans to communicate through language creates a problem for researchers. Obviously, researchers cannot manipulate or physically probe the brains of humans to determine how they work. Dr. Elman makes us privy to the progression of thought related to understanding language and the brain, as well as the persistence, perceptiveness, creativity and flexibility of scientists conducting research on language.
Lesson developed by Clara Cahill, who teaches chemistry and biology.
