Language [can] be expressed . . . by movements of the…
![“Language [can] be expressed . . . by movements of the hands and face just as well as by the small, sound-generating movements of the throat and mouth. Then the first criterion for language that I had learned as a student—it is spoken and heard—was wrong; and, more important, language did not…” quote by Harlan Lane](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/5d1/harlan-lane-110195_ability_language-can-be-expressed-by-movements-o_1734575.png)
“Language [can] be expressed . . . by movements of the hands and face just as well as by the small, sound-generating movements of the throat and mouth. Then the first criterion for language that I had learned as a student—it is spoken and heard—was wrong; and, more important, language did not depend on our ability to speak and hear but must be a more abstract capacity of the brain. It was the brain that had language, and if that capacity was blocked in one channel, it would emerge through another.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage argues that language is an abstract brain capacity, not limited to speech or hearing, and can manifest through other modalities.
In simple terms: Language is a brain‑based abstract ability, beyond speech.
Key Takeaway
Recognize non‑verbal communication forms.
Themes
language
cognition
modality
brain
abstract
communication
neuroscience
Mood
analytical
insightful
Type
Ability:1
Ability to speak:0
Abstract:1
Blocked:0
Brain:1
Capacity:1
Criteria:0
Depends:0
Faces:0
Firsts:0
Hands:0
Heard:0
Ifs:0
Important:0
Language:1
Mouths:0
Movement:0
Sound:0
Speak:0
Spoken:0
Students:0
Throat:0
Wells:0
Language Did:0
Brain Language:0
Language Learned:0
Language Expressed:0
When to use this quote
- sign language
- facial expression
- assistive tech
- education
Key Concepts
psychology
linguistics
neuroscience
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we broaden language definition?
- What modalities are overlooked?
A Different Perspective
Non‑verbal language may be undervalued.