The origins of speech have always sparked great interest. Even today, there are numerous new studies on the subject. Many attempt to unravel this mystery. In his book titled “The Instinct of Meaning,” Philippe Barbaud presents his analysis and answers all the questions one might have about this phenomenon that emerged 2.5 million years ago.
What if we embarked on a great journey through time? To an era when our ancestor used only a primitive and instinctive language, even animalistic, which served only to warn of danger. It was during this distant time that our ancestor, influenced by transformations in his environment, began to adopt an upright posture. This transformation brought about another: the change in his oral apparatus. This apparatus, used for breathing and eating, gradually found a new function: articulating sounds. Then, through a long process of using these new sounds and attributing meaning to things to communicate with peers, our ancestor was thought to have brought about the emergence of speech. Over time, words would have appeared, and his vocabulary would have developed.
This process, as long as it is fascinating, is what Philippe Barbaud explains in his book. Long, because to do so, he takes us 2.5 million years back to gradually bring us to the present day; and fascinating because this process intertwines multiple studies across various disciplines. Indeed, this emergence of speech involves not only biological and morphological aspects (adopting the upright position and transformation of the oral apparatus) but also social (the desire to communicate meaning). Many other aspects are also considered. The author shares the conclusion of his seven years of research: “We speak because the human being, since the dawn of its species, has always wanted to communicate meaning.”
The book, divided into three major parts, takes us on a true “prehistoric journey of speech.” Indeed, the author ultimately retraces the history of our species through language. It is very interesting to discover the different stages, as this history of speech cannot be explained without mentioning the evolution of our species in its entirety, from Homo habilis to Homo sapiens, with the use of the first tools, the discovery of fire, and especially its mastery, which played a crucial role in the development of our ancestors’ vocabulary. It is a story within History.
And the book doesn’t stop there. As a linguist, the author goes even further in his reflection. He explains how it is possible that the numerous languages we count today can all operate on the same system, the same framework, despite their sheer number.
The content might sometimes seem advanced, but the author makes understanding much easier by making small digressions and summarizing some complex passages with simpler, more accessible words and occasionally referencing popular culture. For example, if I mention “proto-human interjective jargon,” many may wonder what it is about. But if I now give you the rest of the sentence: “It might be that this proto-human interjective jargon could be embodied today by that of the character Chewbacca, you know, that tall Wookie anthropoid from the Star Wars series who is the loyal sidekick of Han Solo, to whom he owes a life debt since the latter freed him from the Empire’s yoke.” Do you understand a bit better?
Indeed, the subject is quite complex, but it’s worth sticking with it. Discovering our origins through language is captivating.
Publisher: Authors of Books
Official book website: The Instinct of Meaning
Official author’s website: Philippe Barbaud
Scientific book
346 pages
39 euros
