The origin of speech
Humans' ability to talk is based foremost on anatomical attributes. This chapter discusses how one reason for speech is that humans have larger brains, particularly the frontal lobe where higher cognitive functions are located. Also, the larynx is placed much lower in the human throat which makes the mouth cavity larger and thus allows the production of more sounds. The human brain has specially adapted neural connections to these muscles to manage fast and precise movement which is needed in order to speak with a fluent stream of words. Inner language comes from human consciousness. The human experience of inner monologue (or dialogue) is an evolutionarily inner phenomenon that is an inner simulation of outer speech. Language is not primarily used for communication but for strengthening the social links between members of a group. This chapter proposes that language makes it possible to co-operate about future goals.
Keywords: speech, frontal lobe, larynx, mouth cavity, sounds, inner language, consciousness, monologue, communication, social links
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