Dealing with “language”, which is too familiar for most people to think
about, over 50 researchers inside and outside Japan, specializing not
only in linguistics but also in anthropology, engineering, education,
brain science and cognitive psychology, collaborate and show the wonders
of language. As part of the exhibition, an installation that is inspired by language will be displayed. It was created by video artist Daisuke YAMASHIRO.
At our exhibit, you will find various ways to look at languages and
see how human language works! Expect a lot of new findings in our
exhibition hall, which you may want to share with your family and
friends!
吉岡 乾 / Noboru YOSHIOKA
国立民族学博物館 准教授
The National Museum of Ethnology, Associate Professor
The scientific name for humans is Homo sapiens, which means “wise
human”. This is because we have “greater knowledge” compared to other
apes. One of our other characteristics is the ability to speak.
Therefore, we are also Homō loquēns “talking humans”.
相良 啓子 / Keiko SAGARA
国立民族学博物館 人類基礎理論研究部
Department of Advanced Human Sciences, National Museum of Ethnology
Sign languages are not universal. They differ by region and country
and have their own dialects. The history of sign languages and the
process of language acquisition are different from spoken languages.
We welcome visitors to come learn about various sign languages at the
language exhibition. Will your visit be a chance to begin studying one
of these sign languages? We are looking forward to seeing you!