Do we need a language to think?

Question

I think , language is used only to learn something , express that to others and also to communicate...But do we need the language even think for ourselves..Because we have the ability to think or recall anything with in a fraction of second..Does this mean that our brain cells dont need a language to process or transfer the message..

Answer 1

We don't need a language to think complicated things. If we didn't have a language we could still think for ourselves like when to eat, run away, etc. When we were prehistoric people we may not have had a language at first. They could probably only communicate by making noise or the way you would physically to tell something. This means that our brain cells don't need a language to process or transfer the message.

Answer 2

Language is a "handle" for thought and communication. It on one hand limits our ability to communicate ideas because verbal language utterly fails to convey a precise accounting of what is on one's mind, particularly when it's a new idea; however, it also fosters ideas, allowing us to build on ideas we already have and shaping the concepts we have of the world. As such, it acts as a memory-enhancing (mnemonic) device.

So far as thinking for ourselves, language is required for such a concept to exist. This is because humans are pack animals, much like dogs, wolves, lions, etc., and we naturally seek the approval of others (it helped with our survival for 40,000 years that we know of). In order to obtain that approval, we needed a way to communicate ideas like "danger" and "food".

We don't need language to think, but we do need language to have any kind of a social group, because human telepathy is not considered reliable.

Answer 3

yes, definitely

Answer 4

No, I would think not. But what a great question, star for you.

Answer 5

Depends.

If you were born into no language, you would survive.

Now, if someone were to take your language away from you now, you won't be able to survive.

-That's because most of our thoughts are formed by our language.  We need to say it/think it in our language to think it.

Answer 6

Well, thinking certainly does not require language, but I imagine that reasoning may need, if not language, at least the ability to use symbols.  I mean, you see animals making decisions all the time and it is presumed that most do not have a formal language.  You can also make the case that a baby who is born deaf will construct symbolic associations without ever learning a formal language, and it is obvious that they spend time thinking and reasoning as well.

It all depends upon your definition of language I guess.

Hope this helps,

Cheers!

Answer 7

Gawd that's a good question.

Like I was looking at my cat the other day.

She knows when she hears that sound that I'm feeding her.

She knows where to go to the bathroom.

She even knows (and remembers) what I forbid her to do.

But all she does externally is meow.

I wonder how she reasons and does certain learned behaviors.

Answer 8

Really good thinkin'! Wish I had thought of it. Can I use it on another site? I wonder if spirits think in a language. OK..babies don't have a language..Too bad we can't remember back that far. I guess Tarzan didn't have a language like we do. I guess without a language your thoughts usually center around your wants and needs. Whenever I think..I think with words. I've always wondered if I spoke a foreign language if I would think in that language. Chaching posted a question about speaking to spirits in their own language. People say aliens speak through telepathy ..but surely that comes through to us in our own language.There ought to be one language that everybody could understand. I think it's really strange that there are different languages. Even if you don't speak..I think your thoughts use words. Sorry...I just don't have a good answer to this question. Like they told us in church "It's a mystery". lol

Edit.. I used to work with the mentally handicapped..some of which had no language...but they could communicate. I remember another one who..the only way she could communicate was by groaning or crying or smiling or throwing her hands out.  Be grateful for what abilities you have. It's a miracle that any of us were born with all our parts.

Answer 9

I do not see how e could function if we did not have a language.

Answer 10

YES, Definitely

Answer 11

It depends on your definitions for language and for think.

Certainly language can be taken to mean body language, hand signals and any other form of representation that creates understanding (even to ourselves).

What is thinking or thought is a complex question that the entire fields of neuroscience and consciousness studies debate endlessly both having decent but opposing viewpoints.

The best I can probably do here is to suggest two excellent books on the subject.

"The Language Instinct" by Steven Pinker

"Thinking in Pictures" by Temple Grandin

Psiexploration

Answer 12

You don't need a language to think. The mind/body/soul communicate just fine. It is when you need to apply those thoughts to outside references that you need to have a language commonality.

Here is a little extra, when people learn multiple languages fluently and later in life have a stroke, usually they loose the ability to communicate in one or more language but it is always the first or primary language that is the last to go. Interesting huh?

Answer 13

language is use to communicate or express something, and thinking depends upon our imagination and knowledge, so language is not essential to think...

Answer 14

i think yes, we need a means of communication for everything, like expressing ourselves to others + making ourselves understand something in our mind which is simple and which can help us with anything. we need languages for thinking too, which is necessary and basic. if we think in a particular language it also helps us improve our communication skills and expressing ourselves and our feelings.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language

Answer 15

The development of language is a result of thinking, but it isn't quite that simple because certain types of thinking require a language. So the answer is yes and no. We need language for some types of thinking but not others. Language allows a greater complexity and accessibility to our thinking. It certainly enhances communication, and it enables us to make a permanent record of our thoughts.