Three Stage Digital Evolution of Linguistic Humans

Author: Kumon Tokumaru
Speaker: Kumon Tokumaru
Topic: Cognitive Anthropology and language
The (SCOPUS / ISI) SOAS GLOCAL CALA 2019 General Session

Abstract

This paper consists of several essential hypotheses for the digital evolution of linguistic humans. There are three breakthroughs, (i) syllables, (ii) character set and (iii) computer networks, and one bricolage, use of the spinal sign reflex mechanism for linguistic processing and intelligence. This paper argues that Copernican heliocentric theory and Mendel’s genetics were both conceived in the extremely quiet environments of a monastery, where scholars could think repetitively and profoundly. Monks transformed religion into science. While “daily concepts” are connected to sensory memories obtained and systematized through daily activities, “scientific concepts” are generated through the accumulation of network memories of dualistic conceptual operations and can conceptualize subjects on a mega-scale such as astronomy or micro phenomena like genetics which is beyond our normal sensory experience. Science was not possible without a writing system. Computer networks with search engines enabled to discover necessary and relevant linguistic information on the www. It is time for linguistic information to be treated as information: both author’s and non-authors’ errors to be corrected by information receiver. Spinal Sign Reflex is auto-generated, ego-centric, passive and stubborn. Only one single sign can be processed at a time. It is not equipped with self-diagnosis circuit nor reconfiguration mechanism. It was not optimal for linguistic processing and intelligence. By understanding these restrictions, we have to establish methods to effectively employ language.

Keywords: Digital evolution, Digital Linguistics, Sign Reflex mechanisms