Daniel L. Everett: How Language Began. Homo erectus and the Origin of Language

Einstein Forum

11 Nov 201886:52

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe speaker discusses the evolution of language, emphasizing its emergence from culture rather than a single invention. They argue that Homo erectus likely possessed language capabilities, supported by evidence of cultural practices like tool-making and symbolic behavior. The talk explores the development of linguistic complexity, the role of symbols, and the impact of writing on language evolution, suggesting that cognitive abilities and cultural context are more critical than specific genetic factors.

Takeaways

🌍 The speaker expresses gratitude for being invited to Germany, noting the birthplaces of significant figures in anthropology and linguistics near the location.
🏛️ The speaker mentions Franz Boas, Edward Sapir, and Lévy-Bruhl as heroes, highlighting their contributions to their respective fields and their connections to the area.
📚 The speaker promotes a book they have written, suggesting it contains the main points of their talk on the evolution of language.
🗣️ The speaker argues that language is the greatest technology ever invented, emphasizing its emergence from culture rather than a single inventor.
⏳ The speaker proposes that Homo erectus invented language around 1.8 million years ago, setting the stage for a linguistic world into which Homo sapiens were born.
🔍 The speaker criticizes the focus on formal grammar and symbolic artifacts as evidence for early language, suggesting these are insufficient and unnecessary markers.
🔊 The speaker discusses the components of language, including indexes, icons, symbols, and the duality of patterning, as crucial for understanding language evolution.
👥 The speaker compares human language capacity to that of primates, suggesting that while we share DNA with chimpanzees and bonobos, our language abilities are distinct.
🏞️ The speaker describes the cultural and technological advancements of Homo erectus, including tool-making, art, and possibly seafaring, indicating a complex cognitive capacity.
🧠 The speaker suggests that the physical brain size does not necessarily indicate intelligence, but rather the organization and use of the brain are more important.
🌐 The speaker touches on the idea of cultural context in language, emphasizing that language relies heavily on shared cultural understanding to convey meaning.

Q & A

What is the primary unit of language according to the speaker?
-According to the speaker, the primary unit of language is not the sentence or the word, but the conversation.
Why does the speaker believe that Homo erectus likely had language?
-The speaker believes Homo erectus likely had language because they had culture, planned settlements, made complex tools, and engaged in activities that required communication and cooperation, all of which suggest the use of language.
What is the difference between an index, an icon, and a symbol as explained in the script?
-An index is a physical connection between form and meaning, like smoke indicating fire. An icon is intentional and has a physical resemblance to what it represents, such as a painting. A symbol has a form and a meaning and arises by convention and culture, not by physical resemblance or connection.
What is the significance of the discovery of Australopithecus africanus carrying a stone that looked like a face?
-The significance lies in the fact that it is the first example of an icon in the archaeological record, suggesting that Australopithecus africanus had the cognitive ability to recognize and carry objects based on their resemblance to faces, which indicates a level of symbolic thinking.
What evidence suggests that Homo erectus had the capacity for language according to the speaker?
-The evidence includes their ability to plan and organize, as seen in their settlements and tools, the development of a vocal apparatus that could produce a range of sounds, and the presence of culture and symbols, which are prerequisites for language.
What is the concept of 'duality of patterning' in language?
-Duality of patterning refers to the ability to take meaningless sounds and combine them to create meaningful linguistic units, such as words. It is a crucial component of language that allows for the creation of complex communication systems.
Why does the speaker believe that grammar is not the defining feature of language?
-The speaker argues that grammar is not sufficient for language because there are non-linguistic domains with grammars and non-hierarchical, non-recursive grammars that still convey meaning. Grammar becomes more important as information becomes more complex, but it is not a prerequisite for language itself.
What is the role of culture in the development of language according to the speaker?
-According to the speaker, culture plays a crucial role in the development of language. Language is deeply intertwined with culture, and the symbols and meanings in language arise from cultural conventions and shared knowledge within a community.
How does the speaker describe the evolution of the human vocal apparatus?
-The speaker describes the evolution of the human vocal apparatus as beginning with a more primitive structure similar to that of gorillas in Homo erectus, and gradually evolving to become more sophisticated and capable of producing a wider range of sounds in Homo sapiens.
What is the significance of the speaker's mention of Charles Sanders Peirce?
-Charles Sanders Peirce is mentioned as an intellectual hero who contributed significantly to the fields of logic, semiotics, and the philosophy of pragmatism. His work inadvertently predicted the order of language evolution from simple indexes to complex symbols, supporting the speaker's argument about the development of language.
Why does the speaker argue that the complexity of language is not necessarily tied to the number of sounds it uses?
-The speaker argues that even with a limited number of sounds, language can still be complex and functional. They give the example of computer binary language with only two sounds (0 and 1) and how languages with as few as 11 sounds, like Rotokas, can still convey complex ideas.
What is the relationship between literacy and language complexity according to the speaker?
-The speaker suggests that the advent of writing led to an increase in language complexity. Writing allowed for the development of more complex sentences and the emergence of new functions such as editing, which in turn facilitated the evolution of language.
What is the speaker's view on the role of brain size in intelligence and language?
-The speaker argues that brain size is not an indicator of intelligence or language capability. It is the organization of the brain and what is done with it that matters. They note that Homo erectus had a smaller brain size than Neanderthals but were still the smartest creatures of their time.
How does the speaker explain the concept of 'recursion' in language?
-Recursion is explained as the ability to put a sentence inside another sentence or a noun phrase inside another noun phrase, creating a hierarchical structure. This ability to embed elements within other elements is a complex feature of some languages and is considered a tool for managing information effectively.
What evidence does the speaker provide for the cultural and cognitive complexity of Homo erectus?
-The speaker provides evidence of Homo erectus' cultural and cognitive complexity through their ability to plan and organize settlements, create complex tools, engage in ocean travel, and possibly use symbols and language. They also mention the use of dyes and the creation of art, which suggest a level of symbolic thinking.
What does the speaker suggest about the possible reasons for Homo erectus' disappearance?
-The speaker suggests several possible reasons for Homo erectus' disappearance, including competition with Homo sapiens.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Linguistic Origins and Heroes

The speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the invitation and lightheartedly apologizes for not speaking German. They highlight the birthplaces of significant figures in linguistics and anthropology near the event's location, such as Franz Boas, Edward Sapir, and the Brazilian anthropologist Kurt Nadel. The speaker also mentions the importance of German explorers in the field of linguistics and their own connection to the area through their book promotion. The main theme introduced is the concept of language as humanity's greatest technology, which was invented by Homo erectus around 1.8 million years ago, and the speaker emphasizes the cultural emergence of this technology rather than a singular invention.

05:04

🔍 Defining Language and Its Evolution

The speaker delves into the definitions of communication and language, proposing that language is the transfer of information via symbols and that its invention is attributed to cultural development rather than individual creators. They challenge the notion of Universal Grammar, suggesting that the unique aspect of human language may be symbolic creation rather than structure. The speaker also critiques the focus on grammar as the defining feature of language, arguing that non-hierarchical, non-recursive grammars exist, and that the search for early language evidence has been misguided by a formalist perspective.

10:07

🌐 The Complexity of Language and Its Development

This paragraph discusses the importance of indexes, icons, and symbols in the evolution of language. The speaker explains that all creatures recognize indexes, while icons and symbols are more complex and developed through cultural conventions. They introduce the concept of duality of patterning and compositionality as fundamental to language. The speaker also touches on the physical differences between various hominid species, such as Homo erectus, Neanderthals, and modern humans, and how these differences might have influenced their linguistic capabilities.

15:08

🏞️ The Cultural and Technological Achievements of Homo Erectus

The speaker explores the cultural and technological advancements of Homo erectus, suggesting that they possessed a form of language given their complex behaviors such as tool-making, hunting strategies, and symbolic thought. They describe the physical characteristics of Homo erectus and their cognitive abilities, which were likely beyond those of any other ape species. The speaker also discusses the possible reasons for Homo erectus' extinction, including competition with Homo sapiens and the potential advantage of domesticated dogs in hunting.

20:08

🛶航海和文化扩散的证据

这一段落中，演讲者讨论了Homo erectus的航海能力，他们能够穿越海洋并在岛屿上定居，这表明了他们的文化扩散和技术能力。提到了在摩洛哥发现的古老工具，以及在中东地区发现的erectus、sapiens和Neanderthals的定居点，这些发现表明了早期人类有计划的社区生活和社会组织。此外，还讨论了Homo erectus可能使用染料的证据，以及他们在文化和象征性行为上的复杂性。

25:10

🗣️ Homo erectus的语言能力

演讲者探讨了Homo erectus可能具备的语言能力，尽管他们的发声器官与现代人类不同，但这并不意味着他们不能拥有语言。通过比较现代语言的复杂性，演讲者指出，即使是非常简单的语言，只要有必要的音素和语法结构，也能够传达复杂的信息。他还讨论了文化对语言的影响，以及语言如何帮助构建社会角色、知识结构和价值观。

30:10

🧠 大脑、语言和文化的作用

这一段落中，演讲者讨论了大脑在人类生存中的作用，以及它如何支持语言和文化的发展。他提到了人类大脑的高能耗和它在适应不同环境中的重要性。演讲者还探讨了动物的认知灵活性，以及它们如何在不同环境中发展出不同的适应策略。此外，他还讨论了语言的起源，以及它如何可能在多个地方独立发展。

35:12

🔨 工具制作与语言的联系

演讲者提出，Homo erectus制作复杂工具的能力可能需要一定程度的语言交流和教学。他引用了考古学家的观点，认为这些工具的制作涉及到了相互之间的指导和学习，这暗示了语言在工具制作过程中的重要性。此外，他还提到了Neanderthals的绘画和文化证据，这可能表明他们也拥有语言能力。

40:13

🎶 语言的起源和发展

这一段落中，演讲者讨论了语言的起源和发展，特别是Homo erectus如何可能通过模仿和社交互动逐渐发展出语言。他提到了不同文化中语言的多样性，以及即使在没有复杂语法的情况下，简单的语言也能够传达复杂的信息。演讲者还强调了语言在教学和文化传承中的作用。

45:15

🏡 教学、文化和语言的传承

演讲者探讨了教学如何在Homo erectus社会中可能发生，以及文化和语言是如何从一代传到下一代。他提到了现代口头文化的例子，以及如何通过模仿和社交互动来学习和传承知识。此外，他还讨论了语言如何帮助人们理解和组织他们的文化活动。

50:16

🎼 语言的多样性和复杂性

这一段落中，演讲者讨论了语言的多样性和复杂性，以及不同语言在声音系统、语法和句法上的复杂性。他提到了Pirahã语言的例子，以及它在形态学上的复杂性，尽管它在音素和句法上相对简单。演讲者还讨论了语言的简化可能对幸福感的影响，以及Pirahã人如何专注于现在，避免对过去的遗憾。

55:18

🎶 语言、性选择和认知能力

演讲者探讨了性选择在语言发展中可能扮演的角色，特别是复杂的语法结构如何可能作为智力和解决问题能力的展示，从而在社交互动中产生影响。他还讨论了认知能力在语言发展中的重要性，以及Homo erectus如何可能已经具备了使用语言所需的认知能力。

00:20

📚 结束语和未来事件的预告

在结束语中，演讲者感谢了参与讨论的所有人，并提到了即将在自由大学举行的另一场活动。他还提到了与语言和文化相关的更广泛的讨论，以及这些讨论如何与当前的社会和文化事件相联系。

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Language

Language is presented as the greatest technology ever invented, not merely as a system of communication but as a cultural invention that emerged from the collective efforts of our ancestors. In the video, language is described as a complex system involving symbols, grammar, and cultural context. It is highlighted as a key factor in the development of human societies and cognition.

💡Communication

Communication is broadly defined as the transfer of information and is distinguished from language in the script. While communication can occur through various means, including non-verbal cues and even inanimate objects like a thermostat, language is a specific form of communication that uses symbols to convey complex ideas. The script suggests that even animals can engage in a form of communication, but it is the unique human capacity for language that sets us apart.

💡Symbols

Symbols are central to the concept of language in the video. They are defined as arbitrary signs with agreed-upon meanings that arise by cultural convention. The script discusses how symbols are crucial to language, allowing humans to convey abstract concepts and complex ideas. The development of symbols is tied to the evolution of human culture and thought, with the speaker suggesting that the ability to create and understand symbols is a defining characteristic of human language.

💡Culture

Culture is described as an abstract network that shapes social roles, knowledge domains, and values. It is dynamic and ever-changing, with language playing a significant role in its transmission and evolution. The script emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between language and culture, suggesting that language both shapes and is shaped by cultural practices and values.

💡Homo erectus

Homo erectus is highlighted as a significant ancestor in the script, with evidence suggesting they had a form of language. The speaker discusses their cognitive abilities, physical characteristics, and cultural practices, such as tool-making and possibly seafaring. The discussion of Homo erectus provides a historical context for understanding the development of language and its relationship to human evolution.

💡Recursion

Recursion is presented as a complex cognitive ability that is not unique to language but is integral to human thought. In the context of language, recursion refers to the ability to embed sentences within sentences, creating complex hierarchical structures. The script challenges the idea that recursion is a genetic mutation unique to humans, suggesting instead that it is a product of general cognitive development.

💡Pirahã

The Pirahã people are mentioned as an example of a culture with a simple language system, contradicting the notion that simpler languages are indicative of simpler cultures or less happiness. The script uses the Pirahã to illustrate the diversity of language structures and to challenge assumptions about the relationship between language complexity and societal attributes like happiness.

💡Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of human societies and cultures, both past and present. The script references several anthropological figures and concepts, such as Franz Boas and the cultural relativity of values. Anthropology provides the theoretical framework for understanding the relationship between language, culture, and human evolution discussed in the video.

💡Cognitive Plasticity

Cognitive plasticity refers to the brain's ability to adapt and change in response to new experiences and challenges. The script suggests that the development of human brains, particularly in response to harsh Pleistocene environments, favored cognitive plasticity over instinctual behaviors. This cognitive flexibility is seen as a key factor in the evolution of language and culture.

💡Tool-making

Tool-making is discussed in the script as an activity that requires complex cognitive abilities and likely involved some form of communication. The development of increasingly sophisticated tools by Homo erectus is presented as evidence of their advanced cognitive skills and possibly the use of language in teaching and cultural transmission.

💡Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis, named after linguist Edward Sapir, is alluded to in the script when discussing the relationship between language and thought. While not explicitly defined, the hypothesis suggests that the structure of a language affects its speakers' cognition and perception of the world. The script implies that language influences but does not determine thought, reflecting a nuanced view of the hypothesis.

Highlights

The speaker emphasizes the importance of German contributions to linguistics and anthropology, mentioning Franz Boas, Edward Sapir, and Kurt Nimuendajú.

Language is described as the greatest technology ever invented, emerging from culture rather than being a single person's invention.

Homo erectus is proposed to have invented language at least 1 million years ago, with Neanderthals and sapiens born into a linguistic world.

The speaker differentiates between communication (transfer of information) and language (transfer of information via symbols).

Symbols are defined as complex and arising by convention and culture, not simply through physical resemblance.

The concept of duality of patterning in language is introduced, where meaningless sounds combine to create meaningful words.

The speaker discusses various levels of grammatical complexity, highlighting the sufficiency of non-recursive, non-hierarchical grammar for understanding.

Homo erectus exhibited complex planning and cultural behaviors, such as constructing settlements and traveling across oceans.

The speaker presents evidence of early human ancestors using symbols and tools, suggesting a high level of cognitive and cultural development.

Charles Sanders Peirce's contributions to semiotics and his prediction of the evolution of language from simple indexes to complex symbols are highlighted.

The speaker argues that conversations, rather than sentences or words, are the primary units of language.

Cultural context and shared knowledge are emphasized as essential for understanding and using language.

The importance of hierarchical structure in organizing complex information, as seen in recursion, is discussed.

The speaker addresses the misconception that Neanderthals lacked language, presenting evidence of their complex cultural behaviors.

Language is described as a dynamic, evolving system influenced by cognitive, social, and environmental factors.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

How language began | Dan Everett | TEDxSanFrancisco

Daniel Everett, "Homo Erectus and the Invention of Human Language"

Daniel Everett, How Language Began: The History of Humanity’s Greatest Invention [reupload]

The Roots of Religion: Genevieve Von Petzinger at TEDxVictoria

Computer Science - Brian Kernighan on successful language design

Dr Kathy Bobula ".... Early Childhood Development"

Related Tags

Language Evolution Cultural Roots Anthropology Communication Homo Erectus Linguistics Cognitive Science Symbolism Historical Perspective Social Interaction