Noam Chomsky - Communication and Language

Summary

The transcript challenges the common assumption that language and communication are synonymous. It posits that while all behavior communicates, language is often used internally without the need for external expression. The speaker suggests that most language use is for personal reflection rather than social interaction, with only a small fraction dedicated to meaningful communication. The introspective nature of language is highlighted, indicating that internal 'meaning' may exist independently of articulated speech, challenging the viewer to consider the broader role of language beyond mere communication.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script challenges the common assumption that language and communication are synonymous.
• 🤔 It suggests that almost all behaviors, including non-verbal ones, communicate something to others.
• 💭 The speaker argues that much of our internal thought processes, which may not involve language, are also a form of communication with oneself.
• 🔍 The script implies that the internal use of language is largely uninvestigated and could be studied introspectively.
• 🗣️ The speaker notes that when thinking in language, it's often not in the form of full sentences but rather occasional words or phrases.
• 🧠 It is suggested that there might be an internal language system that operates independently of the articulated language we use externally.
• 🗣️🌐 The speaker points out that even the external use of language is not always for communication in the traditional sense.
• 🤝 The script mentions that a significant part of language use is for maintaining social relations, rather than conveying meaningful information.
• 😄 It highlights that activities like telling jokes are more about social bonding than serious communication.
• 🚫 The speaker concludes that it's a mistake to equate communication solely with the use of language.

Q & A

What is the main argument presented in the transcript about the relationship between language and communication?

The main argument is that language and communication are often incorrectly considered to be the same thing, but in reality, they are not synonymous. The speaker suggests that most of our internal thought processes, which use language, are not communicative in nature.

Why does the speaker believe that the idea of language being the same as communication is 'extremely employable'?

The speaker uses the term 'employable' to imply that the idea is widely accepted without much critical thought. It is a common belief that has not been thoroughly investigated or questioned.

According to the transcript, what percentage of language use is the speaker referring to when they mention internal thought processes?

The speaker estimates that approximately 99.9% of language use is internal, not involving communication with others.

What does the speaker suggest about the nature of our internal thought processes when using language?

The speaker suggests that our internal thought processes do not necessarily involve fully articulated language. Instead, it might be more like occasional words or phrases that we can express either internally or externally.

How does the speaker describe the process of matching internal thoughts with articulated language?

The speaker describes it as a process where we might have an internal meaning that we then try to articulate either to ourselves or to others. When the articulation matches the intended meaning, it indicates that the internal thought has been successfully communicated.

What is the speaker's view on the role of language in setting up social relations and casual conversation?

The speaker believes that a significant part of language use in social settings is not meaningful communication. It is often about maintaining social relations, telling jokes, or passing time rather than conveying important information.

What does the speaker propose is a 'big mistake' in the understanding of language and communication?

The speaker proposes that it is a big mistake to identify communication entirely with language, implying that communication is a broader concept that extends beyond the use of language.

Why does the speaker suggest that introspection could be a way to investigate internal thought processes?

The speaker suggests introspection because it allows an individual to observe and analyze their own thought processes from a third-person perspective, which could provide insights into how language is used internally.

What is the speaker's opinion on the investigation of internal language use?

The speaker believes that internal language use has not been seriously investigated and could be a subject of study if approached with the right methodology.

How does the speaker define 'communication in a meaningful sense'?

The speaker implies that 'communication in a meaningful sense' refers to the exchange of ideas or information that has significance, as opposed to casual conversation or social rituals.

What is the speaker's perspective on the role of non-articulated language in our thoughts?

The speaker's perspective is that non-articulated language plays a significant role in our thoughts, suggesting that our internal language might be more about capturing the essence of what we want to convey rather than using a full linguistic system.