Language Acquisition and Communication

Kanzi the Bonobo

• Adopted bonobo named Kanzi observed learning language faster than his mother.
• Demonstrated understanding of different phrases: "You tickle" vs. "tickle you."
• Kanzi performed tasks (dog biting the snake) showing comprehension without trained instruction.
• Kanzi is notable for acquiring language spontaneously, understanding grammar, syntax, and semantics.

Language and Human Uniqueness

• Humans often view language as a unique trait.
• Language defined as a set of spoken, written, or signed words and their combination to convey meaning.
• Complex grammar may set humans apart, but simpler communication through symbols is shared with other species.

Communication Forms

• Language involves sounds, visual symbols, and body movements.
• Enables comprehension of unseen events, quick information exchange.

Structure of Language

• Phonemes: Smallest distinctive sound units, e.g., "a," "t," "sh."
• Morphemes: Smallest meaning-carrying units, e.g., "speech" has phoneme components.
• Grammar: Rules for arranging morphemes to convey messages.
  • English has around 40 phonemes, leading to over 100,000 morphemes and 616,000 words.

Language Development in Children

• Begin recognizing speech differences and lip-reading around 4 months.
• Develop receptive language ability early (understanding spoken words).
• Produce babbling sounds which are varied and not language-specific.
• Deaf children babble with hands after watching sign language.
• Progress to one-word and two-word stages around 12-24 months, understanding syntax.

Theories of Language Acquisition

• B.F. Skinner's View: Language learned through reinforcement (operant conditioning).
• Noam Chomsky's Theory: Universal grammar; humans are innately equipped to acquire language.
• Chomsky's idea of grammatical categories shared across languages.

Brain and Language

• Different brain areas handle various language functions:
  • Broca's Area: Speech production.
  • Vernicas Area: Language expression and comprehension.
• Aphasia: Language impairment from brain injury highlights distinct language functions.

Language and Thought

• Language helps frame ideas and may influence thought based on the language used.
• Unclear if non-verbal thoughts precede language or vice versa.
• Communication abilities in species like Kanzi may influence their cognition and identity.

Credits

• Written by Kathleen Yale.
• Edited by Blake de Pastino.
• Consultant: Dr. Ranjit Bhagwat.
• Directed and edited by Nicholas Jenkins, script supervision by Michael Aranda, graphics by Thought Café.