In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, my guest is Dr. Erich Jarvis, PhD, a professor and Head of the Laboratory of Neurogenetics of Language at Rockefeller University and an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). We discuss the brain circuits and genes underlying spoken language and why the ability to learn and produce vocalizations is extraordinarily rare in the animal kingdom. We also explore why song likely evolved before language, how gesture and movement share deep neural roots with speech, the neurobiology of stuttering, why childhood is the optimal window for language acquisition, and how physical movement — including dance — may help preserve speech and cognitive function across a lifetime. Read the show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman Timestamps

Speech & Language

Speech vs. Language; Brain Pathways for Communication

Gesture, Hand Movement & Speech Evolution

Sponsor: Function

Innate Vocalizations vs. Learned Speech

Evolution of Spoken Language; Neanderthals & Vocal Learning

Birdsong & Human Speech; Brain Circuit Parallels

Hummingbirds; Vocal Learning Species & Complex Traits

Critical Periods & Learning Your Native Song

Pidgin Language & Cultural-Genetic Convergence

Sponsor: AG1

Genes Specialized in Speech Circuits

Critical Period for Language Learning; Multilingualism

Music, Emotion & Semantic vs. Affective Communication

Sponsor: Eight Sleep

Facial Expression & Speech Circuitry

Written Language & Neural Pathways

Stuttering; Basal Ganglia & Neurobiological Basis

Texting & Language Evolution

Tool: Movement, Dancing & Singing to Maintain Cognitive Health