Steven Pinker: Language and Consciousness (excerpt) -- Thinking Allowed DVD w/ Jeffrey Mishlove

Summary

In this thought-provoking discussion, the speakers explore the intricate relationship between language and thought. They argue that language is a tool for communication, while thoughts can exist independently, often manifesting as visual or abstract concepts. The conversation touches on the ambiguity of words, cultural variations in vocabulary, and the emotional resonance of language in literature and poetry. They also highlight evidence that infants and animals can think without language, emphasizing that creative inspiration often begins with vivid imagery rather than verbal expression. This dialogue invites reflection on the nature of consciousness and the complexities of human cognition.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Language influences thought, but it is not the sole medium through which we think.
• 🖼️ Our thoughts are primarily represented through visual and auditory images rather than just words.
• 🔍 Ambiguities in language highlight that words and thoughts are not synonymous; different interpretations can arise from the same wording.
• ❄️ The idea that certain cultures have more words for specific concepts (like snow) is often exaggerated; languages can possess rich vocabularies for various subjects.
• 📚 Knowing more about a subject leads to the invention of specific terms, rather than an expansion of thought processes through existing jargon.
• 🎶 Language has a musicality that contributes to emotional expression in literature and poetry, which can be lost in translation.
• 🌐 Translations indicate an underlying shared meaning that exists beyond the specific words used in different languages.
• 👶 Infants and non-human animals can have thoughts and understand the world even without language.
• 🌌 Great thinkers often describe their insights as originating from vivid visualizations that precede their verbal expression.
• 🧩 Language is a rich part of cognition, but it is only one aspect of the complex processes involved in human thought.

Q & A

What is the main argument regarding language and thought presented in the script?

The main argument suggests that thoughts are not constrained by language, but rather that language is a means to communicate pre-existing thoughts, which can take forms other than words, such as visual or auditory images.

How does the discussion about languages like Sanskrit relate to consciousness?

The speaker believes that languages like Sanskrit have a richer texture that allows for a deeper exploration of consciousness, although the other speaker argues that thoughts can exist independently of language.

What example is given to illustrate the ambiguity of language?

An example provided is a newspaper headline about 'stud tires,' which can have multiple interpretations, highlighting that words and thoughts are not the same.

What point is made about the number of words for snow in different languages?

The discussion refers to the misconception that Eskimos have hundreds of words for snow. In reality, while they have more terms than the average English speaker, the English language also has various words related to snow, emphasizing that expertise in a topic often leads to the creation of specific jargon.

How does language influence emotional expression in literature and poetry?

Language encompasses more than just words; its cadence, sounds, and timbres contribute to emotional expression. The nuances can be lost in translation, impacting the depth of meaning.

What does the script suggest about the relationship between language and meaning?

It suggests that while language can convey meaning, the underlying concepts and ideas exist independently of the specific words used, indicating a deeper cognitive process.

Can individuals without language still think, according to the script?

Yes, the script asserts that individuals without language, such as babies and non-human animals, can still engage in thought processes and have an understanding of their environment.

What evidence is presented to support the idea that thought exists without language?

The script mentions that babies show sophisticated understanding and make predictions about the world before they can speak, as well as evidence from animals engaging in thought without the use of language.

How do artists and scientists experience inspiration, according to the transcript?

Artists and scientists often report that their moments of inspiration come from vivid visual images, which they then struggle to articulate in words, indicating that the initial thought can exist without language.

What conclusion can be drawn about the role of language in the mind from the discussion?

The conclusion is that language is an important aspect of the mind and thought, but it is only one part of a more complex cognitive process that includes visual imagery and other forms of understanding.