In order to communicate intent, language to some extent is a must for a species to survive. I believe language in its foundation to be a purely biological-phenomenon, as seen by the various forms of language used by other living species, but it is because of our sophistication/intelligence that we have refined it to what it is now. No doubt our semantics, interpretations, and concepts are all a reflection of how our language has developed beyond the point of calling it a biological-phenomenon, but at its core that is what it is.
The multifunctional view of language in the brain made a lot of sense. Language triggers memories, determines how we analyze/interpret things, and overall guides our whole way of thinking. Having our linguistic abilities localized to just Broca’s and Wernicke’s area wouldn’t make sense.
An interesting thought I had while reading the texts, although it may be off-topic, is the semi-recent development of Neuralink, and what it intends to accomplish. Neuralink intends to enable paraplegics the ability to operate computers with their neural activities through the incorporation of machines into the brain. But if eventually our brains become able to process information and formulate ideas at the speed of a computer, and transfer information/feeling to another individual, would language remain what it is today? Of course, language would probably still remain due to logistical and various other reasons, but it's interesting to think how the need to verbally communicate, formulate thoughts verbally, and have an “inner” voice would greatly diminish.
The readings made me understand the importance of variety when learning a language. By focusing on all aspects of language, such as reading, writing, and speaking, both hemispheres of the brain will be stimulated more often, which would probably elevate the learning process. And because the brain is all interconnected, attempting to improve at various aspects of the language may also greatly improve a target aspect, rather than single handedly focusing on one aspect.
Comments