Steps to follow before speaking

2001/06/25 Astobiza, Amaia

• Eboluzioa

In his search for a response, neuroscientist Robert Provine, who works at the University of Maryland in Baltimore USA, has been analyzing the laughter of chimpanzees. So far, most research on laughter has aimed to analyze the mood of chimpanzees. In this case, however, Provin's intention was to analyze the relationship between laughter and social relations and play.

To do this, he selected the chimpanzees of the Yerkes Center, located in Atlanta and dedicated to the study of primates. The analysis of his noisy games and laughter concluded that, first, the man began to walk straight, which allowed him to develop the ability to speak. Therefore, if we had not been able to walk properly, we would not have been able to speak. Why?

For every laugh chimpanzees should breathe. Human beings, however, are able to laugh at every breath. Also, four-legged animals should breathe for every step they take, so it is not possible to develop the respiratory system and get the ability to speak. Therefore, says Provin, the ability to walk on both legs changed the way we breathe and, consequently, we got the ability to speak.

Subsequently, several researchers have studied the relationship between the ability to walk and talk about two legs. Philip Lieberman of Providence Brown University studies the human vocal apparatus. Provin's theory coincides with his discoveries. Also, consider that brain structures that control locomotion on two legs are essential for speech control. Thus, says the scientist that when he started walking on two legs, the structure of the brain changed and, subsequently, this structure served to develop oral expression.