Born to Communicate

Language is a unique characteristic that sets humans apart from other mammals. It allows us to express ideas, feelings, and discuss hypothetical matters. The origin of language has been a topic of debate among philosophers and linguists, with some proposing that it is a learned ability that evolved from primitive sounds, while others argue that it is an innate and essential part of being human.

Children Learn Language

Observing a young child learning to talk is fascinating. Initially, they cannot say anything, but after months of hearing their parents and others talk around them, they begin to form intelligible words. They start by babbling and exploring different sounds, then progress to using basic words and eventually constructing sentences. This ability to pick up language at such a young age suggests an innate drive to communicate.

Furthermore, when children grow up in an environment of deafness, their inner compulsion to communicate is even more apparent. Deaf children who are exposed to sign language quickly learn to express themselves using this visual language. They become bilingual, as sign language has recognizable grammatical and syntactic structures. This demonstrates that the desire and ability to communicate through language exist regardless of speech ability.

The Deaf Children of Nicaragua

A remarkable example of the innate nature of language can be seen in the experience of deaf children in Nicaragua. Before 1980, these children had no established form of sign language and communicated through individual gestures. However, when around 500 deaf children came together in schools for the deaf, they quickly developed a form of sign language among themselves.

At first, this sign language was rudimentary, but it soon evolved into a regular language with characteristic grammar and syntax. This development was described as "the first documented case of the birth of a language" by Judy Kegl, a behavioral neuroscientist. These children had no previous model or background in sign language, yet they created a fully-fledged language through their own language-generation capability. This is clear evidence of an innate language capacity.

Language from the Beginning

According to the biblical account, the first humans, Adam and Eve, had the ability to communicate with each other and with God from the very beginning. This includes the mental ability and desire to communicate, the physical means to produce speech sounds, the ability to hear and process those sounds, and the capacity to connect them with concepts.

When God first created Adam, He communicated with him using words. For example, He instructed Adam not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. In order for this communication to be effective, Adam must have had some prior understanding of the meaning of words and the grammatical patterns in which they were used. This suggests that Adam had a preprogrammed vocabulary rather than acquiring it through experience.

Language was also crucial in Adam's search for a suitable partner. None of the animals could communicate with him, so God created Eve who could fully communicate with Adam. This highlights the importance of language in human relationships and the need for effective communication.

Brain Size and Intelligence

Some linguists have suggested that language development coincided with an increase in brain size in human evolution. However, it is not brain size alone that determines intelligence or language ability. Human brains vary in size but still possess similar mental abilities because they are human.

While there may be some correlation between brain size and body size, it would be incorrect to assume that a person with a larger brain is inherently more intelligent than someone with a smaller brain. Intelligence is influenced by various factors beyond brain size, and individuals of different body sizes can have similar mental abilities.

Why This Matters

Understanding the innate nature of language has implications for our understanding of human uniqueness and the origins of language. It challenges the idea that language is solely a product of evolutionary development from primitive sounds. Instead, it suggests that language is an inherent part of being human, designed by our Creator.

Language also plays a crucial role in human relationships and communication. It allows us to express ourselves, share ideas, and form deep connections with others. Recognizing the innate drive to communicate can help us appreciate the importance of effective communication in our interactions with others.

Think About It

1. Consider the remarkable ability of young children to learn language at such a rapid pace. How does this support the idea of an innate drive to communicate?
2. Reflect on the development of sign language among deaf children in Nicaragua. How does this challenge the notion that language is solely a learned ability?
3. Contemplate the role of language in human relationships and communication. How does effective communication contribute to stronger connections with others?