From brain-computer interfaces to AI-powered predictive text, technology is rapidly transforming the way we communicate. But what does this mean for the future of language? How will our relationship with language change, and what impact will it have on our society?
We spoke with Philip Seargeant, author of “The Future of Language,” to delve into these intriguing questions. Seargeant sheds light on the complexities of language, exploring not just its role in communication but also its impact on our social lives, our identities, and our understanding of others.
One of the central themes in Seargeant’s book is the myth of the Tower of Babel, a story that encapsulates our enduring desire to bridge language barriers. He explores how close we are to realizing a universal translator, powered by AI. While technology has made significant strides, Seargeant cautions that a true universal translator might be a long way off, as language encompasses far more than simple information transfer.
He highlights the fascinating paradox of language’s flexibility and its inherent imprecision. This lack of precision, while contributing to language’s adaptability, also creates vulnerabilities, as exemplified by the rise of “fake news.”
A compelling example from Seargeant’s book is the U.S. government’s Human Interference Task Force, which attempted to communicate warnings about nuclear waste to future generations. Their challenge was predicting the future evolution of the English language, a task that proved insurmountable. Even symbols like the skull and crossbones, which carry a clear warning today, can lose their meaning over time.
This brings us to the question of language’s potential for change. Some tech enthusiasts, like Elon Musk, envision a future where brain-computer interfaces bypass spoken language altogether, leading to a wordless future. Seargeant, however, considers this an unrealistic scenario, arguing that such interfaces are still in their infancy and are unlikely to replace the rich tapestry of language as we know it.
This isn’t the first time such concerns have been raised. The emergence of emojis sparked similar anxieties, fears that they would supplant traditional language. However, as Seargeant points out, emojis have instead integrated into our language, enriching it rather than replacing it.
If AI and brain-computer interfaces become widespread, what implications might this have for free speech? Seargeant warns of the potential for increased censorship and regulation, as intermediaries between individuals and their audiences could be used to filter or manipulate communication. He points to China as an example of how AI can be used to suppress free speech, filtering out potentially problematic content even before it is spoken.
However, he also reminds us that throughout history, people have found creative ways to bypass censorship. It’s a constant battle, with technology constantly introducing new challenges.
Stepping beyond human language, Seargeant also discusses the use of AI to decode whale songs. While he acknowledges the complexity of interspecies communication, he believes that AI could eventually help us understand the nuances of whale communication, though not necessarily enable us to speak to them.
This brings us to the ultimate question: how do we even begin to anticipate the challenges of communicating with extraterrestrial intelligence, given our limited understanding of their existence and communication methods?
Seargeant emphasizes that while we may never be able to send a message across millions of light-years, these hypothetical scenarios help us better understand the essence of human language.
He also highlights the importance of continued research into language, particularly in areas like sociolinguistics and cognitive linguistics. There’s still much to learn about how language shapes our thoughts, our social interactions, and our understanding of the world.
Despite the challenges, Seargeant remains optimistic about the future of language. He believes that as technology continues to evolve, new forms of communication will emerge, enriching our lives and broadening our understanding of the world. The future of language, like language itself, is a constant state of flux, a dynamic and endlessly fascinating field of inquiry.
