The Language of Cats and Filler Words

This chapter explores the cognitive evolution of language in humans, highlighting a study on cats' recognition of their peers' names and its implications for animal communication. The discussion also covers the role of filler words like 'um' in conversation, demonstrating how these seemingly trivial speech disfluencies can actually enhance memory retention and signal importance. With a light-hearted tone, the speakers invite listeners to consider the complexities of language across species and its developmental aspects.