Dr. Eddie Chang: The Science of Learning & Speaking Languages | Huberman Lab Podcast #95

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.

#HubermanLab #Science #Neuroscience

Thank you to our sponsors

Supplements from Momentous

Huberman Lab Premium

Social & Website

Dr. Eddie Chang

Articles

Articles in the News

Timestamps
00:00:00 Dr. Eddie Chang, Speech & Language
00:03:00 Levels, Eight Sleep, InsideTracker, Momentous Supplements
00:07:19 Neuroplasticity, Learning of Speech & Environmental Sounds
00:13:10 White Noise Machines, Infant Sleep & Sensitization
00:17:26 Mapping Speech & Language in the Brain
00:24:26 Emotion; Anxiety & Epilepsy
00:30:19 Epilepsy, Medications & Neurosurgery
00:33:01 Ketogenic Diet & Epilepsy
00:34:56 AG1 (Athletic Greens)
00:36:10 Absence Seizures, Nocturnal Seizures & Other Seizure Types
00:41:08 Brain Areas for Speech & Language, Broca’s & Wernicke’s Areas, New Findings
00:53:23 Lateralization of Speech/Language & Handedness, Strokes
00:59:05 Bilingualism, Shared Language Circuits
01:01:18 Speech vs. Language, Signal Transduction from Ear to Brain
01:12:38 Shaping Breath: Larynx, Vocal Folds & Pharynx; Vocalizations
01:17:37 Mapping Language in the Brain
01:20:26 Plosives & Consonant Clusters; Learning Multiple Languages
01:25:07 Motor Patterns of Speech & Language
01:28:33 Reading & Writing; Dyslexia & Treatments
01:34:47 Evolution of Language
01:37:54 Stroke & Foreign Accent Syndrome
01:40:31 Auditory Memory, Long-Term Motor Memory
01:45:26 Paralysis, ALS, “Locked-In Syndrome” & Brain Computer Interface (BCI)
02:02:14 Neuralink, BCI, Superhuman Skills & Augmentation
02:10:21 Non-Verbal Communication, Facial Expressions, BCI & Avatars
02:17:35 Stutter, Anxiety & Treatment
02:22:55 Tools: Practices for Maintaining Calm Under Extreme Demands
02:31:10 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous Supplements, Huberman Lab Premium, Neural Network Newsletter, Social Media

Huberman Lab is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

[Thelinguist]

Fascinating discussion. There's no question that whereas in English I needn't subvocalize when reading and the meaning is instant, in all the other 20 languages I have learned, even ones which I speak well, I subvocalize while reading. I pronounce the words in my mind. Reading and sound are closely connected. I hear words better if I can read them. I remember words better if I can read them. I read better if I have already heard the word, or the text that I'm reading in a foreign language.

[sharona]

I am from Taiwan. Hearing Dr Chang’s calm voice makes me very proud.

[Healthymeme]

As a speech pathologist and mom to a child with a hearing and speech and language impairment, this podcast hit me hard! I alternated between getting choked up and feeling so full of hope. I am so grateful to scientists like you, Andrew Huberman and Eddie Chang…you give me hope for the future and your passion is inspiring.

[abebrooks]

Dr. Chang is a sublime human. You can sense that he feels a deep human sorrow for the incidence of "locked-in" syndrome, yet he seems to be capable of a transcendent focus and calm in both his speech and in his mention of his recognition of the "sacred moment" that is the often uncharted territory of the operating room. What a deeply inspiring episode; I am moved by Dr. Chang's graciousness and courage and the pure brotherhood you guys share. Thank you both.

[sethclegg]

Please have Dr. Chang do another podcast.
I didn't want this one to end.
He is great to listen to.

[xiaohanwang]

As a Chinese who is doing her PhD in the US and speaks English as her second language, plus a loyal listener to The Huberman Lab, I was so excited when I heard Dr. Huberman speak in Chinese "Eddie 在不在 (zài bú zài)?" and "谢谢 (xiè xiè)!” 😆Even after 35 years, your pronunciation can easily be understood by a random native speaker of Chinese!!! I'm always interested in learning how to speak English accurately and without accent, partly because I myself started to learn English in middle school, after the sweet spot of language learning when one is a kid; and I look forward to more episodes on such topics! Thank you Dr. Huberman and Dr. Chang for your insightful conversation!

[anttipokki]

At the end of this episode you two showed what life is all about. Its the journey with all the experiences and people that shapes us humans and not the end goals or achievements. Also old saying goes ”you get what you give” and you both have true examples of that. Thanks Andew and Eddie for an exceptional episode! ❤

[beto]

Almost 100 episodes of the Huberman Lab. Such a blessing!

[marykimberlyhayes]

Applause! Applause! Dr. Eddie Chang is the very first Neurosurgeon that I've heard speak that is not a Narcissistic Meglomaniac . The world is definitely a better place with this amazing and humble man.

[nikitap.]

Such a fascinating discussion. Dr Cheng is very easy to listen to. Often scientists use very much of scientific language but he somehow speaks in a way that is easy to comprehend. I’m Russian, so it was incredibly interesting for me to learn on bilingualism since I’m learning English for almost 15 years.

[zakhariihusar]

What I love about Dr. Huberman's podcasts is that he not only invites interesting people, but also asks them right questions and doesn't interrupt 👍

[fosch]

Italian 🇮🇹. I discovered Huberman podcasts "by accident". I'm always been interested in psychology, physics and science in general, and now I am also interested in neuroscience. Thanks to Dr Huberman to divulgate these kind of information FOR FREE and in a very professional and scientific manner.

And guys... This man can speak for two hours in a row without be redundant, without any difficulties and without annoying the public. I think it's because he's competent and completely passionate about the matter.

Well done, i say 👏

[jalepage]

So excited for this as I am trying to learn a new language. It is now on my bucket list to see Dr Huberman speak at a conference. Hope that happens again soon!!!

[CMC-Cord-Meijering-Composer]

I have been listening to the Huberman video podcast for quite some time. I owe my sleep to Andrew Huberman. For 30 years I slept an average of 3 hours a night, rarely 5, usually 1 or 2 hours. I'm amazed that I'm still alive after that time. I followed the advice of Andrew Huberman and his interlocutor Matthew Walker, and after only 3 days of changing my behavior, I got my sleep back after 30 years of absomnia. Today I sleep between 7-9 hours a day, up to 13 hours if I am exhausted. No one who has not suffered from insomnia can imagine how great the feeling of happiness is when you can finally sleep again.
Now yesterday I listened to this Huberman podcast with Eddie Chang. This person is so smart, has such a wonderful voice. This episode is not only highly interesting, but beautiful. Many thanks to Andrew Huberman and Eddie Chang for sharing their vast knowledge with us and speaking in a way that we can understand their language.

[nowMUSH]

Holy crap, Dr Chang is an amazing and deeply insightful guest. Thank you both for sharing your insights and discoveries with us peasant folk. God bless you, Dr. Chang.

[erichfeit]

I actually listened to the whole interview. It was so interesting. I am a retired electronics teacher and will soon be 75 years old in a few days time. Thank you Andrew Huberman. Your programs are always sooo interesting. Erich from New Zealand.

[vorostabletta]

26:06: Andrew
"You have a very calming voice"
Coming from you, Dr. Huberman, it's the greatest compliment

[jenkay]

One of the best talks ever. Dr. Eddie Chang speaks so eloquently !

[stepper]

Huberman
(H)uberman
Uberman
Überman
Übermensch

"One repays a teacher badly if one always remains nothing but a pupil." - Friedrich Nietzsche

Thank you for your infectious enthusiasm for science as a teacher and a lifelong student!

[shirintobie-paul]

Thank you Dr. Huberman, team, sponsors and supporters ☀️
THANK YOU DR. EDDIE CHANG!