Is there a link between dream and language?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the potential relationship between dreams and language, questioning whether articulate language is necessary for dreaming or thinking. It examines the implications of animal dreaming and the origins of language, considering various perspectives on consciousness and cognitive processes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that since animals dream without language, articulate language may not be necessary for dreaming or thinking.
  • It is suggested that dreams reflect experiences, with examples given of animals dreaming about their activities, such as dogs running and cats catching mice.
  • A participant questions the basis of the initial claim and requests references to studies linking dreams to the origin of language.
  • Another participant emphasizes the unknown origins of language and suggests that the ability of animals to dream without words indicates they may also think without words and possess some form of consciousness.
  • One viewpoint posits that language might limit cognitive capabilities, and discusses the role of the prefrontal cortex in rational thought versus dreaming.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of language for dreaming and thinking, with no consensus reached on the relationship between dreams and the origin of language.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on assumptions about animal consciousness and the nature of dreams, while the discussion lacks specific studies or empirical evidence to support the assertions made.

C. Bernard
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Animals dream and have no word, so articulate language is not necessary to dream and may be to think.
Since one preceded the other, may be there is a relation.
 
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We dream what we experience.
Dogs dream of running. Cats dream of catching mice. (we think)
 
C. Bernard said:
Animals dream and have no word, so articulate language is not necessary to dream and may be to think.
Since one preceded the other, may be there is a relation.
What study are you basing this off of? Please post a link to the study or studies and a small quote to the specific area of the study that your question comes from. This forum isn't for "random thoughts".

Thank you.
 
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The origin of language is still unknown.
My question should have been: are there any studies linking dreams to the origine of language.
The fact that aninals dream without the benefit of words suggest to me that they also think without words and even may have some sort of consciousness.
Animals growl when they sleep, people too and since language must have started somewhere, i posit this is a serious possibility worth digging in.
Random thoughts, unless they are meaningless should, in my opinion, be permitted.
 
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Words (and hence language)might be limiting brain capability.Man has a developed rational centre in prefrontal cortex I think.Dreams have many explanations .One old explanation is that while sleeping,connection of prefrontal cortex is closed and no rational check is there so dreams may have no logic to us about their content.
 

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