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Can language describe reality? with Nick Enfield

Reason with Science

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The Evolution of Language

The number of tree species reported in different languages is an example. So the fact that, because these things are, or these things were important once those languages were being evolved. What that shows is that the system is evolved for flexibility. It's evolved for local adaptability. You don't biologically inherit these languages. In some cultures, the average person will know 500 names for tree species in their local area,. And in another language, they might know 10. That's a great range, and it shows that language will... It's basically designed to adapt.

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