Horizon Season 2009 Episode 16 Why Do We Talk?

Why Do We Talk? is the 16th episode of the 2009 season of the Horizon TV series. This episode explores the evolutionary roots of human language and attempts to answer the age-old question of why humans possess the capability to speak.

The program delves into the scientific field of linguistics to examine how language emerged in early human societies. Through interviews with linguists, anthropologists, archaeologists, and psychologists, the episode presents various theories on how language developed and its purpose in human communication.

One theory posited is that language evolved as a tool to facilitate cooperation in hunting and gathering activities. Another explains that language developed as a means of storing and sharing knowledge, allowing early humans to pass on important information about their environment to future generations.

The program also examines the neurological and physiological components of human language. The episode showcases advanced brain imaging technologies and highlights recent findings on the unique ways in which the human brain processes language.

Why Do We Talk? also explores the benefits and limitations of language. The episode investigates how language can both enhance and limit human communication in different situations, including in group decision-making processes and cross-cultural communication.

Throughout the program, viewers are presented with a range of fascinating examples of how different species communicate, highlighting the unique aspects of human language. The program examines how animals, such as parrots and dolphins, have demonstrated the ability to communicate at a basic level, raising questions about the origins and complexity of language.

Overall, Why Do We Talk? provides an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of language evolution, human communication, and the neurological and physiological components of language. The episode offers a comprehensive overview of current research in the field, presenting a variety of theoretical and practical insights on the role of language in human society.