Humans are genetically programmed to speak and understand language. Unlike other primates, our larynx (end of windpipe) does not lead directly to our lungs. Between four and six months of age, our larynx drops down below our tongue. While a number of great apes have learned to understand human language and can communicate using sign language, they do not have the mechanical ability to make the wide range of sounds we can make due to our better breath control. The disadvantage is that you are more likely than other species to suffocate by choking on food.

Actually, humans are not born this way.  Between four and six months of age, our larynx drops down below our tongue. You pay a price for these extra sounds, we are more likely than other species to suffocate by choking on food.

Humans do need formal training to learn to speak. They learn to speak and communicate merely by hanging around adults. Children will learn the language they hear spoken. The words themselves are not biologically determined.

Humans are a communicative species. Our very existence and success as a species rests on our ability to communicate. Communication occupies a good deal of our time and energy.  

Humans use language to move mental images from one brain to another. Species without language, and even those with, can move information in other ways like facial gestures, posturing, dancing, and odors. Language adds a precision the other methods lack.

Languages consist of two types of words. There are words that cut the world (nouns and adjectives) and words that describe relationships between objects (verbs, adverbs and prepositions).

While human brains are hard wired for language, the specific sounds used to represent mental images are variable. The specific word used to represent "sister" or "love" is not genetically coded and will vary from one human group to another. Despite this variability, children learn to use language relatively easily.

By separating the information content of a word from a specific genetic code, the possible messages that can be sent between individuals becomes infinite. This allows us to pass on new information without waiting for the population's genetic code to mutate. Imagine if new words could be added to our language only after a mutated gene allowed us to speak the word. Similarly, our automobile culture would need more time to evolve if a society could drive cars only after they had genetically inherited the ability to recognize red octagons as the signal to stop. Language dramatically reduces the time it takes information to spread through a population.

Language conveys both referential and affective symbols. That is words can refer to specific objects like "rock" or "dog." Additional information can be conveyed by how the words are vocalized. For example, tone and loudness, independent of the actual words, give off information about the speakers emotional state.

Just as we crave food and other biological necessities, humans crave exchanging mental images. Primates in general spend a good deal of time socializing. Humans exhibit similar patterns, spending massive amounts of time and energy communicating. Talking with family, friends and coworkers; reading books, magazines and newspapers; and watching TV and movies take up the majority of our waking hours. Many our more important technologies involve enhancing our language and communications, including the World Wide Web through which our interaction is currently being mediated.