Imagine witnessing the birth and growth of a brand new language, like a little seedling sprouting into a magnificent tree! Well, that’s exactly what scientists did with Nicaraguan Sign Language. They used fancy-schmancy motion tracking technology to track the signing of the oldest and youngest signers in the language. And guess what they found? The size of the hand movements, or the ‘articulatory space’, has been shrinking over time! It’s like watching a river become more narrow as it flows downstream. This reduction in signing space is a result of decades of use and transmission of this new language. It’s so cool because it gives us insight into how languages can change and evolve over time. Who knew that by observing a new language being born, we could unlock secrets about the origin and development of all languages? If you want to dig deeper into this fascinating research on Nicaraguan Sign Language, check out the full article!
Abstract
In this paper, we use motion tracking technology to document the birth of a brand new language: Nicaraguan Sign Language. Languages are dynamic entities that undergo change and growth through use, transmission, and learning, but the earliest stages of this process are generally difficult to observe as most languages have been used and passed down for many generations. Here, we observe a rare case of language emergence: the earliest stages of the new sign language in Nicaragua. By comparing the signing of the oldest and youngest signers of Nicaraguan Sign Language, we can track how the language itself is changing. Using motion tracking technology, we document a decrease in the size of articulatory space of Nicaraguan Sign Language signers over time. The reduction in articulatory space in Nicaraguan Sign appears to be the joint product of several decades of use and repeated transmission of this new language.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.