How did the First Language Begin? The Mystery of the Piraha

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[Points Covered]
0:00 - Location affects how languages sound?
1:45 - Language is complex and difficult, even for babies. Does that mean it must be prewired? Or could we have invented it?
2:50 - If language "evolved," what were the steps it took? [Enter indexes]
3:29 - Icons
4:34 - Symbols
6:48 - What about grammar? | Language is a gestalt: importance of culture, gestures, intonation...
7:40 - NEED CONTEXT. CONTEXT GOOD. CONTEXT BIG.
9:40 - The recursion controversy. What is recursion? Why is it a big deal that Pirahã lacks it?
11:17 - Is the lack of recursion an example supporting the idea that languages are an evolved invention?
14:30 - "immediacy of experience" principle
15:30 - What if you lacked numbers?
16:30 - "So the point is..."

Big thanks to Daniel Everett (no relation) for speaking with me over Skype and answering several follow up questions I had about the Pirahã, their language and the ideas presented in his books. Check out for more information.

Link to Transcript with sources (PDF file @ this link)

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Books Mentioned:
"How Language Began" -
"Don't Sleep, There are Snakes" -

For Business inquiries: joseph.everett.wil@gmail.com

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