How language began | Dan Everett | TEDxSanFrancisco

Summary

The speaker argues that the greatest technological breakthrough was the invention of language by Homo erectus 2 million years ago, which laid the foundation for all subsequent technological advancements. They highlight Homo erectus' cognitive abilities, tool-making, and symbolic representation, suggesting these capabilities indicate language capacity. Despite limitations in vocal apparatus, the speaker contends that simple grammar and symbols were sufficient for language, emphasizing the transformative power of language in human evolution and society.

Takeaways

• 🗣️ The greatest technological breakthrough for humans was the invention of language, which occurred 2 million years ago by Homo erectus.
• 🧠 Homo erectus possessed a remarkable brain, with a size of about 950 cc, indicative of advanced cognitive capabilities.
• 🏺 They were capable of creating and using a variety of tools, including Olduwan, Acheulean, and Levallois tools, as well as wooden spears.
• 🎨 Homo erectus demonstrated artistic expression, such as the Venus of Berekhat Ram and engraved shells, showing symbolic thought.
• 🚣‍♂️ As early seafarers, Homo erectus traveled across oceans, evidenced by their presence on islands like Flores and Socotra.
• 🏡 They built structured villages with designated areas for different activities, indicating hierarchical thought and planning.
• 🌐 Homo erectus had a wide geographical distribution, reaching as far as Beijing, Indonesia, the Middle East, and Europe within a short time after their evolution.
• 🔊 Despite having a vocal apparatus similar to a gorilla, Homo erectus likely had a basic form of language, as evidenced by their complex social structures and tool use.
• 🔢 Language is composed of symbols and grammar, and Homo erectus showed capabilities for both, suggesting they had a form of language.
• 🌟 The development of language by Homo erectus was a foundational step that enabled all subsequent human technological and cultural advancements.

Q & A

What is considered the greatest technological breakthrough according to the speaker?

The speaker considers language to be the greatest technological breakthrough, invented by Homo erectus around 2 million years ago.

How long did Homo erectus live on Earth compared to Homo sapiens?

Homo erectus lived on Earth for nearly 2 million years, while Homo sapiens have been on Earth for approximately 200,000 to 500,000 years.

What was the size range of the Homo erectus brain?

The size range of the Homo erectus brain was about 950 cc, which is 75% of the size of an adult Homo sapiens male's brain.

What type of hunting capability did Homo erectus have that was unique?

Homo erectus was the first creature capable of persistent hunting, using their bipedal gait to chase down prey until it died of heat exhaustion or was beaten to death.

What types of tools did Homo erectus create and improve upon?

Homo erectus created and improved upon various tools, starting with Olduwan tools, then Acheulean tools, and finally Levallois tools. They also made spears for throwing and thrusting.

What evidence suggests that Homo erectus had the capability for symbolic thought?

Homo erectus made representations of reality, such as the Venus of Berekhat Ram and engraved shells, which suggests they had the capability for symbolic thought.

How did Homo erectus demonstrate their seafaring abilities?

Homo erectus demonstrated their seafaring abilities by traveling to islands like Flores in Indonesia and Socotra, which required boat-making and navigation skills.

What are the three kinds of grammar the speaker identified in his field research?

The speaker identified three kinds of grammar: G1, which is linear order; G2, which has hierarchy; and G3, which has hierarchy and recursion.

What does the speaker suggest about the necessity of complex grammar for language?

The speaker suggests that even a simple G1 grammar, with symbols, is sufficient for full-blown human language, and that more complex grammars are not necessarily a requirement for language.

How does the speaker view the origin of language?

The speaker views language as an invention that has been developed over time, rather than something that required a mutation, was innate, or an instinct.

What is the significance of language according to the speaker?

According to the speaker, language is one of the greatest breakthroughs and the beginning of the information age for humanity, enabling every other accomplishment of our species.