Topic: Language

Scientists Michael Hahn and Richard Futrell studied why humans don't communicate in a digital code like computers. They found that human language is shaped by real-life experiences and connects directly to shared knowledge.

Linguist Michael Hahn and his colleague Richard Futrell from the University of California, Irvine, wanted to understand why humans don't communicate in a digital system of ones and zeros like computers do. They published their findings in Nature Human Behaviour.

There are roughly 7,000 languages spoken across the globe, with some used by only a few remaining speakers and others spoken by billions. Despite their differences, all languages serve the same essential purpose: to communicate meaning by combining words into phrases, which are then arranged into sentences.

The researchers found that human language is shaped by the realities of life around us. If we were to talk about half a cat paired with half a dog and refer to it using an abstract term, nobody would know what we meant because it doesn't reflect anyone's lived experience. Equally, it makes no sense to blend words into a string of characters that is impossible to interpret.

Human language works because it connects directly to shared knowledge and lived experience. The brain prefers familiar patterns and processes words in constant interaction with what we already know about the world.

Why It Matters

Understanding how human language works can help us appreciate the complexity and beauty of our own languages, which are shaped by our unique cultural experiences. This research also highlights the importance of connecting with others through shared knowledge and experience.

Key Facts

• There are roughly 7,000 languages spoken across the globe.
• Human language is shaped by real-life experiences and connects directly to shared knowledge.
• The brain prefers familiar patterns and processes words in constant interaction with what we already know about the world.

Key Terms

Predictive Information

A measure of complexity that shows how well a code can compress information

Implications

Understanding how human language works can help us appreciate the complexity and beauty of our own languages, which are shaped by our unique cultural experiences. This research also highlights the importance of connecting with others through shared knowledge and experience.