Huberman Lab

Dr. Erich Jarvis: The Neuroscience of Speech, Language & Music

513 snips
Aug 29, 2022
Guest
Erich Jarvis
Dr. Erich Jarvis, a leading neuroscientist at Rockefeller University, explores the intricate connections between speech, language, and music. He discusses how both humans and certain animals learn complex communication, emphasizing the role of genetics in vocal abilities. The conversation delves into the evolution of language, the parallels between human speech and bird song, and the neural pathways involved. Jarvis also examines how gestures complement verbal communication and the impact of modern technology on our language skills.
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INSIGHT

Speech and Language Processing

  • Speech and language are processed together in the brain, not separately.
  • There's no separate "language module"; speech and auditory pathways have built-in algorithms.
INSIGHT

Animal Communication

  • Dogs understand hundreds of words, and apes understand thousands, yet can't speak.
  • Some species have advanced gestural communication but limited vocal learning.
INSIGHT

Learned vs. Innate Vocalizations

  • Most species produce innate sounds, while few, like humans and some birds, learn vocalizations.
  • Learned vocalization is what makes human language special and rare in nature.
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