This podcast episode delves into various aspects of language, from its structure and evolution to its relationship with cognition and communication. The speakers explore topics such as word order, morphemes, and the debate between phrase structure grammar and dependency grammar. They also discuss the tension between optimizing language for production and comprehension, the role of the language network in the brain, and the capabilities and limitations of large language models. Additionally, the podcast touches on topics like legalese, noisy channels in communication, language complexity and learning, and the resilience of language in the face of brain damage. The episode concludes with discussions about the Pirahã language, the impact of language on counting, the evolution and globalization of language, and the possibility of communication with animals and intelligent alien civilizations.
