How Improvisation Created Language and Changed the World

Feb 20, 2023

Join Nick Chater, Professor of Behavioural Science, and Morten H. Christiansen, Professor of Psychology, as they unravel the intricate world of language in their thought-provoking discussion. They challenge the conventional notion of fixed linguistic rules, highlighting language as a collaborative, evolving process. Delving into the improvisational nature of communication, they explore how social contexts shape language use. The conversation also touches on the complexities of Danish, the adaptability of English, and the stark differences between human creativity in language and computer processing.

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INSIGHT

Language as Charades

Language isn't a monologue, but a dialogue, a linguistic charade we play together.
We evoke images and ideas in others' minds, relying on shared knowledge and context.

INSIGHT

The Language Game

Language is like playing games embedded in social interaction, with specific actions and contexts.
Think of it as local, moment-by-moment invention, not a fixed set of rules.

INSIGHT

Individualistic Language

Everyone develops their own unique version of a language, influenced by individual experiences.
This individualized language development challenges the notion of a single, perfect standard.

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The Language Instinct

How the Mind Creates Language

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In this book, Steven Pinker argues that language is an innate human ability, produced by evolution to solve the problem of communication among social hunter-gatherers. He explains how language works, how children learn it, how it changes, and how the brain computes it. Pinker refutes common ideas such as the Sapir–Whorf hypothesis and the notion that language is a human invention. He supports his argument with examples from linguistics, psychology, and popular culture, emphasizing that language is a specialized 'mental module' rather than a mark of advanced intelligence. The book also includes updates on advances in the science of language since its initial publication.

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