Human Language, Communication, and Cultural Development

The Language of Humans and Animals

Animal Communication vs. Human Communication

Stereotyped behavior in animals: rigid patterns of behavior.

Animal communication primarily focuses on obtaining resources and survival, often involving behavioral intervention with significant learning.

Human communication is characterized by the transmission of culture.

Types of Behavior

1. Instructive and stereotyped behavior.
2. Complex, innate, and flexible behavior.

Human language is inherently abstract, conceptual, and symbolic.

Language Emergence and Function

Factors in Language Emergence

Language emergence is linked to the development of bipedalism, which facilitated the development of the phonatory system, increased cranial capacity, and resulted in the development of complex thinking.

Forms and Function of Language

There are two primary forms of language: nonverbal and verbal.

Language enriches social life and reveals both social and personal consciousness.

Neurophysiological Aspects of Speech

The Vocal Apparatus

The vocal apparatus includes the following components:

• Larynx
• Vocal cords
• Buccal cavity
• Palate
• Teeth

The intake of air and the production of sound are crucial for brain development.

Brain Areas for Language

The primary areas of the brain responsible for language activities are Broca's area and Wernicke's area.

Key Features of Human Language

• Displacement: We can discuss things that are not physically present or that have not occurred yet.
• Structuring Reality: Language structures reality, allowing us to organize our world, categorize reality, formulate discourses about the world, and construct a human world.
• Language and Thought: Human thought is intrinsically linked to language. Language is internalized, and everything that is thought is expressed by language. It is argued that developed thought cannot exist without language.
• Metalinguistics: Language allows for speech about language itself. When language becomes the object of discussion—talking about the physical world or the language system—the language used is called metalanguage.

Stages of Language Development

Pre-Linguistic Stage (Infancy)

Characterized by the vocalization of infants, including echolalia (repetition of sounds) and phonatory exercises (vocal gymnastics). This stage, typically around 8 months, is accompanied by gestural language and is composed of basic sound sequences.

Protolinguistic Stage (Word-Phrase)

Around 12 months, children use single words that function as complete phrases, heavily supported by intonation.

Early Linguistic Stage (Combined Words)

After two years, combined words appear, expressing concepts such as possession, identification, evaluation, and desire.

Linguistic Stage (Complete Sentences)

Around 24 months, language involves complete, fairly mature sentences and the full use of the symbolic function. This stage involves interaction with the environment, contextualization of experiences and expectations, conceptualization, abstraction, and generalization.

Abstraction and Identification Stage (Adulthood)

This stage represents the development of full adult thought, characterized by:

• Identification of specific words that define a concept.
• Symbolic representation of the concept.
• Use of conventional signs (previously agreed upon).
• Generalization: Applying the concept to describe all things determined by it.

Characteristics of Culture

Culture is generally defined by three core elements:

1. Behavioral Element

   Behaviors configured by morality, custom, law, and ethics, materialized in values and attitudes. The individual understands the rules, regulations, and the distinction between good and bad behaviors, including those considered wicked or punishable.

2. Cognitive Element

   This includes knowledge of science and technology, ideology, and belief systems. It represents the way humanity explains natural phenomena, understands the world, and expresses this understanding through scientific laws.

3. Material Element

   The set of physical objects that humanity has produced throughout history, including art and technology.