Introduction

Abstract

Language is a highly complex, socially learned system of communication which allows us to express a limitless range of concepts and convey very fine-grained and subtle distinctions: anything you can think, you can transmit to others using language. The capacity for language is unique to humans: no other species has a communication system that works like language or that has anything close to its communicative potential. Indeed, language seems to underpin many of humanity’s most striking achievements: it’s hard to imagine how we would have such complex social structures and technologies, were it not for our ability to use language to exchange information and coordinate our activities. These technical achievements have taken human civilization beyond our own planet, both through manned space travel and unmanned probes that have reached the edge of our solar system. No other species on Earth has such achievements of boast of, nor language to boast in.

Phenomenon: a fact or event of scientific interest susceptible to scientific description and explanation (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).

Phenomenon: A fact or occurrence, the cause or explanation of which is in question. A very notable or extraordinary thing; a highly exceptional or unaccountable fact or occurrence; a thing, person, or animal remarkable for some unusual quality; a prodigy (Oxford English Dictionary)