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The Science of Learning & Speaking Languages | Dr. Eddie Chang

Episode 95 Oct 24, 2022 2h 31m 19 insights
My guest is Eddie Chang, MD, a neurosurgeon and professor of neurological surgery at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and the co-director of the Center for Neural Engineering & Prostheses. We discuss the brain mechanisms underlying speech, language learning and comprehension, communicating human emotion with words and hand gestures, bilingualism and language disorders, such as stuttering. Dr. Chang also explains his work developing and applying state-of-the-art technology to decode speech and using that information and artificial intelligence (AI) to successfully restore communication to patients who have suffered paralyzing injuries or “locked in syndrome.” We also discuss his work treating patients with epilepsy. Finally, we consider the future: how modern neuroscience is overturning textbook medical books, the impact of digital technology such as smartphones on language and the future of natural and computer-assisted human communication. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com.
Actionable Insights

1. Exercise for Mental State

Prioritize regular exercise, such as running or swimming, for its mental benefits, as it helps regulate mental state, provides a disconnect from worries, and positively impacts mood, focus, and interactions with others.

2. Create Focus Sanctuary

To achieve intense focus for important tasks, create a “sanctuary” environment by disconnecting from external distractions like cell phones, allowing for complete immersion and mental clarity.

3. Eliminate Distractions for Focus

For tasks requiring intense focus and precision, eliminate all distractions, including background music, to maintain complete mental clarity and concentration on the singular objective.

4. Maintain Hydration & Electrolytes

Ensure adequate hydration and electrolyte intake (sodium, magnesium, potassium in correct ratios, without sugar) for optimal brain and body function, as even slight dehydration diminishes cognitive and physical performance and electrolytes are vital for cell function.

5. Huberman’s Electrolyte Protocol

Dissolve one packet of Element in 16 to 32 ounces of water first thing in the morning and during any physical exercise to ensure proper hydration and electrolyte intake.

6. Utilize NSDR for Energy

Practice yoga nidra or non-sleep deep rest (NSDR) sessions, even for just 10 minutes, to greatly restore levels of cognitive and physical energy.

7. Optimize Language Learning

To learn multiple languages effectively, prioritize early, intense, immersive, and prolonged exposure, ideally before age 12, and ensure learning involves real human interactions, as passive listening alone is insufficient.

8. Read Books to Improve Speech

Prioritize reading physical books (or on Kindle) to improve articulation, sentence structure, and the ability to construct coherent thoughts, as this can positively influence spoken communication and counteract the erosion of formal language in digital communication.

9. Utilize Facial Expressions

When communicating, be mindful of facial expressions and mouth movements, as they are essential nonverbal cues that convey emotion, improve speech intelligibility, and make interactions more natural and memorable.

10. Avoid Continuous White Noise

Avoid exposing infants to continuous white noise, as it can mask natural, structured sounds necessary for normal auditory cortex development and may slow brain maturation.

11. Use Structured Soothing Sounds

When soothing babies, opt for natural, structured sounds instead of continuous white noise, as white noise lacks structure and can mask essential environmental sounds for healthy brain development.

12. Daily Foundational Nutrition

Consider taking a daily vitamin, mineral, and probiotic drink like AG1 (Athletic Greens) once or twice a day to support gut health, foundational nutritional needs, and overall immediate and long-term health.

13. Discuss Neurotech Ethics

When considering emerging neurotechnologies for human augmentation, engage in thorough discussions about the ethical implications, whether such enhancements are truly desired for society, and how to ensure equitable access to these technologies.

14. Explore Ketogenic Diet for Epilepsy

For some individuals, particularly children with epilepsy, consider exploring the ketogenic diet as a potential treatment, as it can have beneficial effects for some, though its effectiveness varies.

15. Consider Epilepsy Surgery Options

If epilepsy seizures are not controlled after trying two or three medications, consult with a specialist about alternative treatments like surgery or brain stimulators, as further medication trials may be ineffective.

16. Address Phonological Awareness

If dealing with dyslexia, focus on therapies that improve phonological awareness, which involves mapping visual word forms to their corresponding speech sounds, as this is a foundational step for developing skilled reading.

17. Stuttering Therapy Strategies

If you experience stuttering, seek therapy to learn strategies and “tricks” for fluent word production, particularly focusing on overcoming initiation problems and managing anxiety that can exacerbate stuttering.

18. Develop Holistic Communication Avatars

For individuals with communication disabilities, explore and advocate for neuroprosthetic technologies that develop holistic avatars capable of decoding and displaying speech movements and facial expressions to enrich communication in digital and virtual spaces.

19. Avatar Feedback for Neuroprosthetics

When learning to use speech neuroprosthetics, prioritize systems that offer real-time visual feedback through an avatar, as this embodiment can accelerate learning and enhance the feeling of direct control over communication.