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Dance and language have a strong connection, particularly in vocal learning species like humans, parrots, and songbirds. This connection is rooted in the brain circuits that control both speech and movement. Vocal learning species also have the ability to learn dance and synchronize body movements to the rhythm of music. This type of dance communication is more focused on emotional and effective expression rather than semantic communication. The brain regions involved in dance and speech overlap, and there is ongoing research exploring the resonance and synchronization between performers, audience, and the music. Additionally, genetic factors may play a role in individual differences in dancing and singing abilities.
The motor circuitry that controls facial expression and the brain circuits that control language, speech, and bodily movements are interconnected. Nonhuman primates have diverse facial expressions, similar to humans, which are controlled by cortical regions connected to motor neurons for facial expressions. However, they have weak connections to motor neurons controlling vocalizations. This suggests that the diversity of facial expression in humans and nonhuman primates may have evolved from preexisting communication through facial expressions in our ancestors, with the addition of vocalizations in humans.
Children naturally learn to untangle and coordinate different components of hand movements, body posture, speech, and facial expression as they develop language skills. While in their best form these components align, mismatches between them can be powerful aspects of our growth and intentional disentangling, such as in theater or acting. The ability to align and uncouple these circuits is influenced by adaptability, profession, and individual learning and development.
The process of translating thought into language and then into written word involves multiple brain circuits. When reading silently, signals from the visual pathway are interpreted by the speech pathway in the motor cortex, silently speaking the words in the brain. This signal is then sent to the auditory pathway, allowing the individual to hear what they are speaking in their head. The challenge arises when translating this auditory signal to visual signals for writing, involving at least four brain circuits including speech production and perception pathways. Challenges in coordination and timing between thought and writing can arise when thinking either faster or slower than the writing process.
My guest this episode is Dr. Erich Jarvis, PhD—Professor and the Head of the Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language at Rockefeller University and Investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). Dr. Jarvis’ research spans the molecular and genetic mechanisms of vocal communication, comparative genomics of speech and language across species and the relationship between speech, language and movement. We discuss the unique ability of humans (and certain animal species) to learn and communicate using complex language, including verbal speech production and the ability to interpret both written and spoken language. We also discuss the connections between language, singing and dance and why song may have evolved before language. Dr. Jarvis also explains some of the underlying biological and genetic components of stutter/speech disorders, non-verbal communication, why it's easiest to learn a language as a child and how individuals can learn multiple languages at any age. This episode ought to be of interest to everyone interested in the origins of human speech, language, music and culture and how newer technology, such as social media and texting, change our brains.
For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com.
AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman
LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman
https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman
(00:00:00) Dr. Erich Jarvis & Vocal Communication
(00:03:58) Sponsors: AG1, LMNT
(00:08:01) Speech vs. Language, Is There a Difference?
(00:10:55) Animal Communication, Hand Gestures & Language
(00:15:25) Vocalization & Innate Language, Evolution of Modern Language
(00:21:10) Humans & Songbirds, Critical Periods, Genetics, Speech Disorders
(00:27:11) Innate Predisposition to Learn Language, Cultural Hybridization
(00:31:34) Genes for Speech & Language
(00:35:49) Learning New or Multiple Languages, Critical Periods, Phonemes
(00:40:47) Sponsor: AG1
(00:42:52) Semantic vs. Effective Communication, Emotion, Singing
(00:47:32) Singing, Link Between Dancing & Vocal Learning
(00:52:55) Motor Theory of Vocal Learning, Dance
(00:55:03) Music & Dance, Emotional Bonding, Genetic Predispositions
(01:04:11) Facial Expressions & Language, Innate Expressions
(01:09:35) Reading & Writing
(01:15:13) Writing by Hand vs. Typing, Thoughts & Writing
(01:20:58) Stutter, Neurogenetics, Overcome Stutter, Conversations
(01:26:58) Modern Language Evolution: Texting, Social Media & the Future
(01:36:26) Movement: The Link to Cognitive Growth
(01:40:21) Comparative Genomics, Earth Biogenome Project, Genome Ark, Conservation
(01:48:24) Evolution of Skin & Fur Color
(01:51:22) Dr. Erich Jarvis, Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Momentous Supplements, AG1 (Athletic Greens), Instagram, Twitter Neural Network Newsletter, Huberman Lab Clips
Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac
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