Entitled Opinions (about Life and Literature)
Language, Music, and Meaning with Julie Sedivy
Nov 12, 2024
Join Julie Sedivy, a renowned psycholinguist and author of "Linguaphile: A Life of Language Love," as she dives into the fascinating intersection of language and music. Discover how infants recognize their native tongue through rhythm and the emotional ties that shape our understanding of communication. Julie explores the bonds of love and language across species, revealing the emotional instincts behind our interactions. She also contrasts human communication with that of chimps, highlighting our unique sensitivity to non-verbal cues. It's a thought-provoking journey through sound and meaning!
38:10
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Quick takeaways
- Infants are inherently attuned to language, absorbing rhythmic properties and patterns even before birth, illustrating the profound bond between language and emotional attachment to caregivers.
- The evolution of language acquisition in children is significantly driven by their intrinsic motivation to connect with others, highlighting the social aspects of communication beyond mere linguistic skills.
Deep dives
The Pre-linguistic Connection Between Infants and Language
Infants are born with a natural affinity for language, as they absorb rhythms and patterns of their native tongue while still in the womb. This pre-linguistic exposure allows them to recognize sounds and structures of their mother’s speech upon birth, establishing a profound connection. For example, studies show that newborns suck more vigorously when they hear their mother’s language, indicating familiarity and a degree of understanding. This innate connection underscores the idea that language acquisition begins even before an infant can comprehend meaning, highlighting the intricate bond between language and emotional attachment to caregivers.
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