Talking Point

Speech and language are remarkable abilities that set human beings apart from the animal kingdom. The origin of language has long been a mystery, and while some propose a gradual development through evolution, this explanation raises several questions.

How do we speak? Making sounds

Humans have two main ways of producing speech sounds. One method involves the vibrations of the vocal cords, while the other utilizes various hisses and pops created by the air stream in our mouth and throat. These sounds are modified by the shape and size of the cavities through which the air passes. We have control over these sounds through the muscles in our throat, jaw, tongue, and lips. The brain plays a crucial role by sending instructions to these muscles, allowing us to articulate the sounds we desire.

For speech to be effective, we also need the ability to hear and interpret the sounds as meaningful language. The human ear is an incredibly complex organ. Scientists are still working to understand how the brain processes sounds and decodes the concepts they represent.

The intricate physiological system necessary for language points to its complete functionality from the beginning. It is difficult to imagine how language could have evolved gradually, as it would require all necessary structures to come together simultaneously. This complexity suggests that language was designed by a wise Creator.

What is language?

Language is a system of symbols that represent things and ideas. The most obvious symbols are the sounds we produce when speaking, but there are also written symbols and sign language. When two or more people share a common set of symbols, they can use them to communicate ideas and information effectively. However, communication becomes challenging when there is no shared language.

Symbolizing using sounds

When we speak, we create sequences of sounds that convey meaning. Each individual sound is called a word, and we arrange these words in a specific order to form sentences. Words can represent concepts, objects, actions, or relationships between them. The way we say words can also express emotions or emphasis.

Patterns of grammar

The order of words in a sentence is an aspect of grammar specific to each language. Different languages have distinct grammatical patterns, which can vary greatly from one another. When we learn a language, we must become familiar with its grammar to ensure our speech sounds natural and meaningful to native speakers. Using the wrong grammatical pattern can lead to confusion or even change the intended meaning.

God's role in language

The Bible doesn't explicitly explain how language began. However, it assumes the existence of language from the very beginning. God spoke during the creation process, and His words brought things into being. This suggests that God already had a means of self-expression or language available to Him before Creation.

Adam and Eve, the first humans, were able to communicate with God using language. Their ability to understand God's instructions and have fellowship with Him indicates that their language must have been complete enough from the start. While their vocabulary may not have been fully developed initially, they possessed an innate understanding of grammatical patterns.

God named certain things during creation, but He also gave Adam the authority to name the animals and his wife Eve. This exercise of authority through naming reflects God's ultimate authority over creation and Adam's headship within marriage.

Language was given to humanity as a fully functioning system by God. Adam and Eve's language allowed them to comprehend God's communication and instructions fully. They could add words as needed, just like languages today continue to evolve and accommodate new concepts.

The first language and the Tower of Babel

The Bible tells us that before the Tower of Babel incident, everyone spoke a single language. However, we do not know what that language was nor can we find a common source for all modern languages. Language changes over time, leading to differences between ancient and contemporary languages.

At the Tower of Babel, God confused the languages of the people, resulting in the creation of several new languages. This event further diversified languages, giving rise to different language families.

Why This Matters

Understanding the complexity and functionality of language points to its design and origin from an intelligent Creator. It challenges the notion that language could have evolved gradually from animal-like grunts. Recognizing that language is a gift from God should inspire gratitude and motivate us to use it to communicate His greatness, power, and redeeming love.

Think About It

Consider the remarkable capacity of human language and how it enables us to communicate complex ideas. Reflect on the intricate physiological system required for speech and hearing, and contemplate the implications of language as a gift from God.