How do our brains process speech? - Gareth Gaskell

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The average 20-year-old knows between 27,000 and 52,000 different words. Spoken out loud, most of these words last less than a second. With every word, the brain has a quick decision to make: which of those thousands of options matches the signal? And about 98% of the time, the brain chooses the correct word. How is this possible? Gareth Gaskell digs into the complexities of speech comprehension.
Lesson by Gareth Gaskell, directed by Art Shot.
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[@TEDEd]

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[@Alkalus]

When someone says even one syllable, it’s basically hangman for the entire audience.

[@johnl.7754]

Even when you don’t want to listen to what is being said. My brain can disregard words spoken in another language but not my own.

[@gyroscope8244]

What is a syllable?

[@diamondhawkeye1672]

It’s hard to argue with his assessment

[@virajagr]

@@gyroscope8244 for example syllable has 3 syllables: sy, lla, ble. Happy has 2: hap, py

[@gyroscope8244]

@@virajagr thank you very much

[@this_is_sha_me_em8426]

*Me: Having a weird feeling while listening to each and every word in this video* 👽

[@dt5092]

I need a word for this kind of discomfort

[@jacobandrews2663]

@@dt5092 diswordformia

[@casuallyexisting2401]

DT braiworda

[@hmm7458]

@Paulo Mendes why exactly?

[@kushsinghal1998]

The triptastic visuals don't exactly help ease said weird feeling.

[@murder7415]

With so many words in the English language, I still have not found a word to describe how much I adore teded.

[@zahrasultan711]

You just did

[@cherrypicker4794]

dawwwww

[@JoseRojas-hl7sn]

*_Adore_*

[@eduardextreme4387]

Same here!

[@my80yearoldman]

The amount of easily digestible complex topics on this channel is something we really take for granted. Quality content aside, the animations in every video do an outstanding in simplifying concepts turning a subject engulfed in scientific literature, into something actually interesting for the average Joe like me. Well done Ted-Ed!

[@kobiadesina2878]

I'm multilingual and there are times when I swear I can feel my brain switching over to a different language. It's as if the different languages are stored in different compartments of my brain.

[@enzozbestetti5992]

I feel the same way. I can speak Portuguese and English with a high Proficiency level (Both C2) and Spanish with a certain degree of fluency. It does indeed feel like the brain switches from one to the other, and it takes time! Interestingly, it's s different amount of time for each language. For instance, I can shift from Portuguese to English in the blink of eye, but not the other way around: it takes (much) longer.

[@muhammadisaac07]

In the dream my brain is switching language sometime Bengali sometime hindi and sometime English 😊

[@kr13100]

I am multilingual as well but I feel that sometimes I am groping for words when I go for long stretches not speaking one of the languages I spoke fluently as a child. I wonder if recognition v speech are handled differently. While I can comprehend the meaning quickly, I feel like my brain forces me to think in English and translate to that language to respond.

[@anudeeps11]

Same I speak English and Hindi

[@ashleyjackson6752]

I had a cerebral palsy and autism affected my speech since I was a newborn girl.

[@mansiramesh5732]

My brain's accuracy listening to someone talk: 98% My brain's accuracy listening to a song: 5%

[@azertyuiop432]

'Cause you're not a native speaker (like myself)

[@littlefishbigmountain]

Omar GUIREEV Even as a native speaker of English I struggle way more to hear lyrics than make out spoken words. I also typically struggle more to hear words in movies and such than in real life (to a lesser extent), but I think some of that is the fact that movies tend to be full of loud sounds and music and oddly whispery or overly enthusiastic voices, lol

[@brightfuturetherapyservices]

This is because the instrumental sounds trump the lyrics.

[@littlefishbigmountain]

Bright Future Therapy Services It’s true that it’s way easier to understand singing with no accompanying music, but it’s still not as easy as understanding speech

[@mmmk1616]

Music is filled with emotion too, so that is also probably getting in the way. When I was a kid I was really good at figuring out lyrics, listening to records back in the 60s and 70s and not internet, and many musicians didn't put their lyrics on the jacket. My friends and family would seek out my help sometimes. But as I got older it got harder, so age must play a role too. Plus I have developed tinnitus, which doesn't help...

[@vibeymonk]

Google: im the fastest search engine ever built Human brain: hold my neurons

[@Treetiger007]

Awesome comment. Funniest so far.

[@weird0141]

😂😂😂😂love this comment

[@rosidmuhtadi6339]

That's what I think after read 2 seconds advantage

[@mirror_scribbles8961]

Hahahahaha that was a good one .

[@scarlettassassinator6192]

My brain: Ok we planned for this scenario and practiced it in our minds a hundred times already, all you gonna do is speak normally and don't mess this up. My mouth: How about..... NO

[@xxKEVZxx]

Meehoy Minoy!!!!!

[@monochromeart7311]

just like the simulations

[@_im_stupid_]

"98% of the time the brain chooses the correct words" Idiots like me: Allow us th introduce ourselves

[@oddpotato4038]

The "th" tho, i see what you did there 😂

[@anidiotonacomputer8989]

Yup

[@randomuser693]

Non-Americans like me: Allow us to introduce ourselves.

[@varshabalaji8939]

*that awkward moment when you realize your brain is processing the words he's using to explain how the brain processes words*

[@shamikakelkar9833]

Can we just talk about the animation ( I mean in a good way the style is interesting

[@Noukz37]

You mean the type of heavy drugs involved? :-)

[@shamikakelkar9833]

Noukz not exactly I was talking about the interesting style

[@Noukz37]

@@shamikakelkar9833 And I was talking about the drugs the designers were using :-)

[@sketchbookmenace]

I love the animation xD

[@user-wl5gz9vi7x]

@@Noukz37 okay don't u think that's pretty rude?

[@asmael4787]

1:53 I feel bad for that yellow rectangle but that was hilarious 😭

[@warrenkeystone5195]

"each word that we know, is separated by a different processing unit" My processing unit for everything I studied and orally remembered: *[disappears]*

[@disguyst6187]

I swear I see you in every ted ed video

[@nineveh17]

@@disguyst6187 same lol

[@--Paws--]

When my language arts teacher explained the definition of etymology, my mind literally exploded with words I have remembered from that point in time to as far back as I can remember. It made me more avid of using the dictionary at certain times and at the same time rely less on the dictionary; a paradox of usage.

[@chrisg1499]

By becoming fluent in multiple languages that are fundamentally different (i.e. Greek, Mandarin), my brain began to somewhat subconsciously sort and compartmentalize new vocabulary. When I learn a new word in Chinese, my brain will often make note of several factors, such as level of formality, part of speech, any presence of humor/cuteness/playfulness, and potential synonyms. However, I became retroactively aware that I had been subconsciously doing the same thing when acquiring English as a child. For example, "scald" might activate "burn+wet+verb" in my head, while "deceive" might be "lie+action+formal+intent to obtain sth." This sort of thing became more apparent when I had Chinese classmates ask me things like "what's the difference between promise and swear?". I had to analyze the specific context and implications of words I'd used since primary school.

[@zssky]

*3 AM* TedED : *uploads* Me : I don't need sleep, I need answers

[@howardlim9676]

Suddenly felt amazed, we all can understand word by word in this video... It is just mind blowing.

[@missdelaney7340]

Thank you for this video. My dad is having to learn how to “talk” again. He is having trouble with basically the overall of what this video is about. It’s nice to learn more about how the brain works around it and maybe a way to help him more now that I understand more. Thank you for the video, amazing as always!!

[@jaypatel4467]

In the entire video I had been thinking how I was processing those words and I lost tract of what the speaker was saying. I consciously was thinking about it and had to rewind everytime. Anybody else did the same??

[@SamriddhiAnand]

Yeah it happens quite a lot with me as well

[@dethwind1239]

I would live to see more myths from around the world I love those so much

[@glitchjedi9584]

dethwind I agree it’s my favourite playlists

[@tuesdaywithanh]

There are probably several in the making, and that makes me happy

[@simrethdhingra4409]

@@tuesdaywithanh good

[@anjalikapilavai1909]

in many different ways, the way the brain communicates with the rest of the body is like a computer, but more magical, more REAL

[@niteshgorana2236]

Ye ki bol na chata hai bta skte hai matlab

[@mydogsfacelookslikeastockp8275]

The only computer with a soul.

[@aimzzz9382]

I love everything about this video 🤩 the animation, the voiceover, the topic ! Everything !you’ve made it so fascinating

[@earthling_parth]

This was just beautiful and satisfying to understand. Love it. Thank you Ted-Ed ♥️

[@PoojaKhadkikar007]

Ted ED is the only channel where I don't skip ads, cuz DAMN, they deserve it all! My favourite channel, hands down, on KZbin ❤ Thank you for feeding our curiosity and teaching us about things we never knew existed 👏🏼

[@williamhenry4380]

This animation looks kinda weird but the information in it can’t be define, thanks Ted

[@zedkingman1448]

Thank you and I would also like to say the animation in this one is STUNNING

[@bananakuma]

The word “hippocampus” was store in my hippocampus during this video

[@flavor1494]

Ted ed is literally underrated the different animation styles make listening to his already soothing voice much better and literally every other person who narrates' soothing voice

[@jinmo-ri7886]

I like TED-Ed videos even before watching because I already know they're highly informative and visually appealing.

[@zikpin]

I think every episode having a unique style is very interesting, Good job guys

[@jeffreydickens1823]

This channel melts my brain... it’s amazing

[@depressedkid9760]

Wow every Lesson Is Worth Sharing!

[@adityanag8934]

Thank you so much for making this kind of amazing video it's really very beneficial for me. Lots of love to this channel from one of your viewers. Thank you

[@Thinktwice2]

This puts into perspective a lot of things for me 💯. Thank you 🙏🏿

[@qwertyuiop4181]

Each time I see ted video I know something new and interesting thanks for bunch of knowledge.

[@iiwaishii]

the animation is absolutely beautiful !!

[@Naked_Snake]

Love the animations, so trippy!

[@parthoghosh4135]

Your videos as always worth watching 💙

[@oktabramantio4709]

Ted: Cap... Me: Oh it's probably capybara Ted: Capybara Still me: HOW ON EARTH???

[@kumarnavneet8968]

I thought of Capillaries and was disappointed to hear Captain 😅

[@barrotem5627]

This was such an amazing video... Thank you !

[@SlitheringDemon]

Amazing production quality 👌👌🙌

[@jmdsabeniano]

Where can I order this kind of brain? Mine is defective, I can't even memorize foreign vocabulary.

[@blueorchid9455]

true. sometimes, I even forget my own language idk what is going on in my mind

[@seanthe100]

Move to a foreign country and I'm sure you'd eventually began to understand.

[@---qn1nw]

The previous comment is correct your surroundings effect your ability to learn a new language greatly. I know this because due to the place I was born I can write around 4 and speak about 15 languages

[@devarain]

@@seanthe100 Move to foreign contry and I'm sure I will.be lost somewhere and dont know how to ask

[@seanthe100]

@@devarain With this helpless attitude I'm sure you'll be lost too. We're all people, and must make an effort for our own good to connect to others after some practice I'm sure you'll find an effective means of communication.

[@fredleckie5880]

I love the art style, wonderful

[@scrabblerabble2827]

Love this video! ❤️ It was very interesting I would also love to see a TedEd video on sign language maybe?

[@manivahdatizadeh6605]

I enjoyed it so much. Thank you for this video.

[@t-shades7148]

I really love the way this was animated!

[@Ara_Ara2]

My brain: *I know so many words, I can say anything* Me during a presentation: Okay brain, I need your help My brain: .......

[@aak2710]

that's why you need to practice before

[@N0URii]

im not native english, i've been learning it from 3 years ago through youtube. this video gave me some tips. right now im focusing on listening and speaking thank you TED-Ed!

[@jjg9624]

This is the most beautiful art TedEd has done yet.

[@nodermark8922]

I found myself trying to feel this process happening while the narrator was talking.

[@sarahberlage5787]

It's so stunningly beautiful how complex our brain is and how much it has to offer to us. We're an entire universe!

[@kristenguerra970]

Sound is very fascinating.

[@nm3260]

This is such a good video, thanks

[@NabellaBethariKusumawardani]

The visualisation in this video is art ❤❤❤❤❤

[@matiasbarth5121]

TED-Ed, thank you for existing.

[@JhintendoTwitch]

quality content as always!

[@bingbonghafu]

Love this art style

[@ice4415]

THE ANIMATION IS SO AMAZING WTF 😭💖

[@strange_and_magnificent]

I love ❤️ this channel, I really do!

[@Ethan__754]

I love watching these

[@SumNutOnU2b]

Videos about the brain are like candy to me. I can't get enough.

[@PauloRLustosa]

Gostei muito dos ensinamentos desse vídeo. obrigado a todos que participaram.

[@Sage3356]

Goodness, you answered a question i had all my life

[@spiralpython1989]

Wonderful graphics! 11/10 to the illustrators 😄

[@AlexVoxel]

Awesome animations!

[@thenightbringer9770]

I’m loving the animation. It’s kinda funny but it makes me feel comfortable and ready to learn.

[@davidakinmade3523]

Listening to the speech of this video about speech gave me the biggest meta experience of my life

[@Garraad]

The animation was so captivating, now I have to start all over

[@mobilemarshall]

love the animation style on this one

[@Manish-ok2yd]

Its brilliant.. i usually don't speak much but think alot inside my brain.. n most of the time my brain face hard time selecting the proper word for speech.. i guess my brain has not been trained much regarding verbal speech.. i m multilingual.. and i feel like i don't have proper command over any language.. it takes me time to process..

[@Epoch11]

Beautiful video

[@RT-nk6gc]

Such a lovely graph :3

[@agung_sptra3774]

The animation is just awesome

[@carylannebeltran]

Wow this is so fascinating.

[@MrNagano00]

I think this must be one of the most beautiful animations i've ever seen.

[@stephaniepaul1128]

Thank you!

[@dailydoseofmedicinee]

I hope everyone can reach their goals before 2021 😍

[@ketsu9670]

Corona: how about no?

[@Th3Shrike]

Hope everyone can live to 20201

[@abhi-ju3wy]

Lol

[@abhi-ju3wy]

lol

[@abhi-ju3wy]

lol

[@mohamedzdaou7563]

Thank you guys

[@dinhanhtran6575]

This video is so accurate to my thoughts. I always think how people can understand themselves with word. Even now i am listening, seeing the words. How does that process happen. Unfortunately, the more i am aware of that, the more😂 i don't understand my own language anymore. That feeling is like you are hearing the sound of wind while trying to figure out its meanings😢. But now i finally understand, i can live free now!!

[@godkingathleticsllc4218]

Very informative!

[@madil2259]

Thank you

[@vginsprdsobepr9698]

Could you do a video on TOXIC POSITIVITY? I think it’s a topic that should be explored. Thank you for all you excellent videos. Keep of the inspiring work you do.

[@marcosjohnsonnoya417]

Just an amazing animation and video.

[@mjstory1976]

Awesome and informative video

[@PCPRATHIKK]

Thank you🙏

[@emilioherrera6345]

Would watch an entire movie with this artstyle no doubt

[@anidiotonacomputer8989]

Emilio Herrera Yea I agree. This art style is AMAZING.

[@_toom]

1:53 iconic 😄

[@oscarclereus5307]

The brain is so amazing and complex, yet I feel like I can't comprehend how amazing it is

[@Skarpo89]

So beautiful art ❤️

[@demianzarnoski3288]

Being able to use words without knowing how it actually works - amazing

[@shirishasiri7930]

This is amazing 😍

[@skyliner114]

thank u for mentioning sign recognition as being similar to spoken word recognition.🙌🏻

[@sayjinpat4life]

I like the art in this video. Weird but good.

[@liliashort1688]

I love the animation :) It's very unique

[@chamalstm8796]

Really Ted Ed is a lesson worth sharing 👍👍💓💓

[@fabienlehenaff2742]

If you're trilingual you know 3 times as many words Imagine how much more powerful ur brain is compared to the average monolingual person

[@phurbasherpa7441]

Me: laughs in 5 different languages.

[@Dadax9398]

Maybe the word in the differents language 1re wirered at the same place, only the prononciacion is not the same

[@aneek5784]

@@phurbasherpa7441 Damn , I was about to flex with four.

[@schmidty4992]

Probably not much at all if the theory they were talking about in the Video is right. They said that the „individual processing units“ for each word had only one function and it was to use that one word. So if u knew a million words u would have a million mini processing units that do only one thing and that is process which ever word they correspond to

[@fru1tz643]

Watch Xiaomanyc. He mastered Several Chinese Dialets as well As Spanish and is now practicing Hindi.

[@alessandro7840]

Wow. Just wow.

[@hajarouabil7349]

this is beautiful

[@peachynicky1609]

This animation is AMAZING

[@zonzaykay]

Great animation!