Episode
Dr. Erich Jarvis: The Neuroscience of Speech, Language & Music
1:53:28
Published: Mon Aug 29 2022
Description
My guest this episode is Dr. Erich Jarvis, PhD—Professor and the Head of the Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language at Rockefeller University and Investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). Dr. Jarvis’ research spans the molecular and genetic mechanisms of vocal communication, comparative genomics of speech and language across species and the relationship between speech, language and movement. We discuss the unique ability of humans (and certain animal species) to learn and communicate using complex language, including verbal speech production and the ability to interpret both written and spoken language. We also discuss the connections between language, singing and dance and why song may have evolved before language. Dr. Jarvis also explains some of the underlying biological and genetic components of stutter/speech disorders, non-verbal communication, why it's easiest to learn a language as a child and how individuals can learn multiple languages at any age. This episode ought to be of interest to everyone interested in the origins of human speech, language, music and culture and how newer technology, such as social media and texting, change our brains. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Thesis: https://takethesis.com/huberman Supplements from Momentous https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Dr. Erich Jarvis & Vocal Communication (00:03:58) Sponsors: LMNT, Thesis, Momentous (00:08:01) Speech vs. Language, Is There a Difference? (00:10:55) Animal Communication, Hand Gestures & Language (00:15:25) Vocalization & Innate Language, Evolution of Modern Language (00:21:10) Humans & Songbirds, Critical Periods, Genetics, Speech Disorders (00:27:11) Innate Predisposition to Learn Language, Cultural Hybridization (00:31:34) Genes for Speech & Language (00:35:49) Learning New or Multiple Languages, Critical Periods, Phonemes (00:40:47) Sponsor: AG1 (00:42:52) Semantic vs. Effective Communication, Emotion, Singing (00:47:32) Singing, Link Between Dancing & Vocal Learning (00:52:55) Motor Theory of Vocal Learning, Dance (00:55:03) Music & Dance, Emotional Bonding, Genetic Predispositions (01:04:11) Facial Expressions & Language, Innate Expressions (01:09:35) Reading & Writing (01:15:13) Writing by Hand vs. Typing, Thoughts & Writing (01:20:58) Stutter, Neurogenetics, Overcome Stutter, Conversations (01:26:58) Modern Language Evolution: Texting, Social Media & the Future (01:36:26) Movement: The Link to Cognitive Growth (01:40:21) Comparative Genomics, Earth Biogenome Project, Genome Ark, Conservation (01:48:24) Evolution of Skin & Fur Color (01:51:22) Dr. Erich Jarvis, Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Momentous Supplements, AG1 (Athletic Greens), Instagram, Twitter Neural Network Newsletter, Huberman Lab Clips Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac Disclaimer
Chapters
Erich Jarvis is a leading neuroscientist working on the genomics of speech and the neural circuits that govern our ability to learn and generate specific sounds coordinated with hand movements.
00:00 - 03:39 (03:39)
Summary
Erich Jarvis is a leading neuroscientist working on the genomics of speech and the neural circuits that govern our ability to learn and generate specific sounds coordinated with hand movements. In this episode, he discusses his pioneering work, how we communicate through words, and whether we are really speaking the words we read.
EpisodeDr. Erich Jarvis: The Neuroscience of Speech, Language & Music
PodcastHuberman Lab
The brain's language module is a separate module that plays a crucial role in the speech pathway and has all the algorithms and computations that influence the production and perception of speech.
03:39 - 13:12 (09:33)
Summary
The brain's language module is a separate module that plays a crucial role in the speech pathway and has all the algorithms and computations that influence the production and perception of speech. Brain imaging studies have evaluated neural activity in the context of different cultures and languages, revealing varying levels of hand movement and speech patterns.
EpisodeDr. Erich Jarvis: The Neuroscience of Speech, Language & Music
PodcastHuberman Lab
Dr. Erich Jarvis discusses the evolution of language and how certain species, including humans, use their forebrain to control motor pathways used for vocal behavior and rudimentary language.
13:12 - 21:58 (08:45)
Summary
Dr. Erich Jarvis discusses the evolution of language and how certain species, including humans, use their forebrain to control motor pathways used for vocal behavior and rudimentary language. He also talks about genetic data from ancestral hominids that share the same sequences as humans for genes functioning in speech circuits.
EpisodeDr. Erich Jarvis: The Neuroscience of Speech, Language & Music
PodcastHuberman Lab
Birds, particularly songbirds, have a genetically-linked innate ability to learn and perfect their species' unique song compared to other species' songs, according to neuroscience research.
21:58 - 29:38 (07:39)
Summary
Birds, particularly songbirds, have a genetically-linked innate ability to learn and perfect their species' unique song compared to other species' songs, according to neuroscience research. The brain circuits responsible for bird song learning share similarities with those involved in human language learning.
EpisodeDr. Erich Jarvis: The Neuroscience of Speech, Language & Music
PodcastHuberman Lab
This podcast discusses the complexity of speech learning and how it differs from other forms of learning, highlighting the critical period and genes that control neural connectivity.
29:38 - 35:39 (06:01)
Summary
This podcast discusses the complexity of speech learning and how it differs from other forms of learning, highlighting the critical period and genes that control neural connectivity.
EpisodeDr. Erich Jarvis: The Neuroscience of Speech, Language & Music
PodcastHuberman Lab
This episode discusses the impact of learning language and motor skills as a child versus an adult.
35:39 - 40:48 (05:09)
Summary
This episode discusses the impact of learning language and motor skills as a child versus an adult. It looks at the various factors that influence how we absorb and understand new information.
EpisodeDr. Erich Jarvis: The Neuroscience of Speech, Language & Music
PodcastHuberman Lab
Studies have shown that the same brain circuits are being used in birds for semantic and effective communication, which led to the brain pathway or motor theory of vocal learning origin, where the duplication of the surrounding motor circuits plays a crucial role in the evolution of speech and vocal learning in humans and parrots.
40:48 - 53:42 (12:53)
Summary
Studies have shown that the same brain circuits are being used in birds for semantic and effective communication, which led to the brain pathway or motor theory of vocal learning origin, where the duplication of the surrounding motor circuits plays a crucial role in the evolution of speech and vocal learning in humans and parrots.
EpisodeDr. Erich Jarvis: The Neuroscience of Speech, Language & Music
PodcastHuberman Lab
Humans utilize voice for semantic, abstract communication and learned dance for effective, emotional bonding communication, according to studies on resonance experienced by dancers and their audiences.
53:42 - 59:35 (05:53)
Summary
Humans utilize voice for semantic, abstract communication and learned dance for effective, emotional bonding communication, according to studies on resonance experienced by dancers and their audiences.
EpisodeDr. Erich Jarvis: The Neuroscience of Speech, Language & Music
PodcastHuberman Lab
The neurobiology of non-human primates and other species with weak or absent connections between cortical regions and the motor neurons that control the voice can have an impact on genetic predisposition to singing.
59:35 - 1:14:01 (14:25)
Summary
The neurobiology of non-human primates and other species with weak or absent connections between cortical regions and the motor neurons that control the voice can have an impact on genetic predisposition to singing. Facial expression is also a form of motor pattern that can have many subconscious micro-expressions.
EpisodeDr. Erich Jarvis: The Neuroscience of Speech, Language & Music
PodcastHuberman Lab
The act of writing or typing can impact the alignment between our thoughts and spoken words, as typing requires faster finger skills.
1:14:01 - 1:23:51 (09:50)
Summary
The act of writing or typing can impact the alignment between our thoughts and spoken words, as typing requires faster finger skills. Writing by hand exercises speech brain circuits, helping to improve the synchronization between thinking and speech.
EpisodeDr. Erich Jarvis: The Neuroscience of Speech, Language & Music
PodcastHuberman Lab
Texting has allowed for rapid communication but it's not decreasing our intellectual prowess.
1:23:51 - 1:30:02 (06:11)
Summary
Texting has allowed for rapid communication but it's not decreasing our intellectual prowess. It's more like a use it or lose it kind of a thing with our brain.
EpisodeDr. Erich Jarvis: The Neuroscience of Speech, Language & Music
PodcastHuberman Lab
This episode discusses the possibility of translating brain signals into speech and communication and the importance of maintaining good communication abilities.
1:30:03 - 1:38:07 (08:03)
Summary
This episode discusses the possibility of translating brain signals into speech and communication and the importance of maintaining good communication abilities.
EpisodeDr. Erich Jarvis: The Neuroscience of Speech, Language & Music
PodcastHuberman Lab
The Genome Arc database has been created to store the genetic code for all species, with complete genome assemblies for use in basic science and future genome-wide association studies.
1:38:07 - 1:49:07 (10:59)
Summary
The Genome Arc database has been created to store the genetic code for all species, with complete genome assemblies for use in basic science and future genome-wide association studies. It has been funded by agencies and private foundations, including those interested in conservation and the resurrection of extinct species such as the woolly mammoth.
EpisodeDr. Erich Jarvis: The Neuroscience of Speech, Language & Music
PodcastHuberman Lab
In this podcast, they discuss the latest discoveries in human and animal genomics from the Huberman Lab, as well as topics like caffeine, alcohol, dopamine, serotonin, and mental and physical health.
1:49:07 - 1:53:16 (04:09)
Summary
In this podcast, they discuss the latest discoveries in human and animal genomics from the Huberman Lab, as well as topics like caffeine, alcohol, dopamine, serotonin, and mental and physical health. They also cover science-related tools unique from the content of the Huberman Lab podcast and invite comments and suggestions from listeners.