Sean Carroll's Mindscape: Science, Society, Philosophy, Culture, Arts, and Ideas 127 | Erich Jarvis on Language, Birds, and People
Dec 14, 2020
In this discussion, Erich Jarvis, a Neuroscience expert, highlights the fascinating parallels between human language and vocal learning in birds, particularly parrots. He explores the unique brain circuits involved, revealing how similar structures facilitate sound learning in both species. The conversation dives into the rarity of this ability in the animal kingdom, contrasting innate sounds with acquired speech. Jarvis emphasizes the evolutionary implications of vocal learning, shedding light on cognitive functions and communication that extend beyond human traits.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Vocal Learning
- Vocal learning is the ability to produce novel sounds, not just using innate ones.
- It involves modulating acoustic structure and sound sequences, crucial for spoken language.
Auditory vs. Vocal Learning
- Dogs possess auditory learning without vocal production learning.
- Some lizards can hear and understand sounds but don't vocalize, demonstrating a disconnect.
Symbolic Understanding Without Vocal Learning
- Symbolic understanding exists in species without vocal learning, like dogs.
- Vervet monkeys use innate sounds with symbolic meanings, passed down culturally.