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How humans learned to speak and why

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Manage episode 498150490 series 2127224
Content provided by Our Media. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Our Media or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Humans’ unique ability to communicate through complex systems of language is one of the key attributes that separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom. But how did this complex behaviour arise?

In her latest book, The Origin of Language – How We Learned to Speak and Why, evolutionary biologist Madeleine Beekman argues that our ability to speak arose due to the need to take care of our children.

She tells us how early human’s anatomy changed dramatically when our ancestors came down from the tress and began walking on two legs, how a quirk of genetics allowed humans to develop such large brains that aided the development of language, and why human’s slow development from helpless infants to functioning members of society gave rise to the need for in-group cooperation and complex modes of communication.

To get the exclusive gift box from Shokz, order via this link: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4kFt10l⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  continue reading

572 episodes

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How humans learned to speak and why

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Manage episode 498150490 series 2127224
Content provided by Our Media. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Our Media or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Humans’ unique ability to communicate through complex systems of language is one of the key attributes that separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom. But how did this complex behaviour arise?

In her latest book, The Origin of Language – How We Learned to Speak and Why, evolutionary biologist Madeleine Beekman argues that our ability to speak arose due to the need to take care of our children.

She tells us how early human’s anatomy changed dramatically when our ancestors came down from the tress and began walking on two legs, how a quirk of genetics allowed humans to develop such large brains that aided the development of language, and why human’s slow development from helpless infants to functioning members of society gave rise to the need for in-group cooperation and complex modes of communication.

To get the exclusive gift box from Shokz, order via this link: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4kFt10l⁠

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  continue reading

572 episodes

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