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Now You're Talking: The Story of Human Communication from the Neanderthals to Artificial Intelligence
A history of how humans developed our capacity for conversation—and what might happen now that computers are catching up.
Trevor Cox has been described by The Observer as “a David Attenborough of the acoustic realm.” In Now You’re Talking, he takes us on a journey through the wonders of human speech, starting with the evolution of language and our biological capability to speak (and listen), and bringing us up to date with the latest computer technology.
Language is what makes us human, and how we speak is integral to our personal identity. But with the invention of sound recording and the arrival of the electrified voice, human communication changed forever; now advances in computer science and artificial intelligence are promising an even greater transformation. And with it come the possibilities to reproduce, manipulate, and replicate the human voice—sometimes with disturbing consequences.
Now You’re Talking is the fascinating story of our ability to converse. It takes us back to the core of our humanity, asking important questions about what makes us human and how this uniqueness might be threatened. On this illuminating tour we meet vocal coaches and record producers, neuroscientists and computer programmers, whose experience and research provide us with a deeper understanding of something that most of us take for granted—our ability to talk and listen.
Trevor Cox has been described by The Observer as “a David Attenborough of the acoustic realm.” In Now You’re Talking, he takes us on a journey through the wonders of human speech, starting with the evolution of language and our biological capability to speak (and listen), and bringing us up to date with the latest computer technology.
Language is what makes us human, and how we speak is integral to our personal identity. But with the invention of sound recording and the arrival of the electrified voice, human communication changed forever; now advances in computer science and artificial intelligence are promising an even greater transformation. And with it come the possibilities to reproduce, manipulate, and replicate the human voice—sometimes with disturbing consequences.
Now You’re Talking is the fascinating story of our ability to converse. It takes us back to the core of our humanity, asking important questions about what makes us human and how this uniqueness might be threatened. On this illuminating tour we meet vocal coaches and record producers, neuroscientists and computer programmers, whose experience and research provide us with a deeper understanding of something that most of us take for granted—our ability to talk and listen.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published September 18, 2018
27 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 7, 2018
This is a fun survey of modern research and findings about the human voice, from ancient times (as near as we can tell without any recordings) to modern. It's light reading; not much here for a specialist, but something for everyone who wants to understand, say, how robots and computers might change our experience of humanity and the voices of humanity.
May 10, 2020
A history of the human voice
The part of the book that I find most interesting (chapter 1) has to do with various theories regarding how the use of language began and developed, which could have dated back to the time of the Neanderthals. Much of the discussion is based on evidence of anatomical development of the human apparatus for vocalisation and the development of human intelligence (as measured by the size of the cranial cavity of specimens from archaeological finds).
Given that the author is a Professor in Acoustic Engineering, it is natural that the bulk of the book is focused on the development of the human voice, rather than language. While this aspect of human communication makes an interesting subject, I must admit the fact that the book title says ‘Human Conversation from the Neanderthals to Artificial Intelligence’ had led me to expect more coverage regarding linguistic development.
In the final chapters, there is lengthy discussion on latest applications of artificial intelligence (AI) to such arts as plays, operas, poetry, novels, etc. In particular, the author goes into some depth as regards whether AI is capable of creativity. While the subject may be interesting, he appears to have stopped at how such developments may or may not impact on developments in ‘human conversation’.
The part of the book that I find most interesting (chapter 1) has to do with various theories regarding how the use of language began and developed, which could have dated back to the time of the Neanderthals. Much of the discussion is based on evidence of anatomical development of the human apparatus for vocalisation and the development of human intelligence (as measured by the size of the cranial cavity of specimens from archaeological finds).
Given that the author is a Professor in Acoustic Engineering, it is natural that the bulk of the book is focused on the development of the human voice, rather than language. While this aspect of human communication makes an interesting subject, I must admit the fact that the book title says ‘Human Conversation from the Neanderthals to Artificial Intelligence’ had led me to expect more coverage regarding linguistic development.
In the final chapters, there is lengthy discussion on latest applications of artificial intelligence (AI) to such arts as plays, operas, poetry, novels, etc. In particular, the author goes into some depth as regards whether AI is capable of creativity. While the subject may be interesting, he appears to have stopped at how such developments may or may not impact on developments in ‘human conversation’.
April 18, 2020
When I first heard about Now You're Talking, it sounded rather appealing. The history of speech has always fascinated me and Cox's comprehensive approach is just the kind of education I needed.
He covers a wide array of subjects from the horrific popularity of Castrati ('Long life the knife!') to shifting attitudes towards treating stuttering speech. I learnt about the subtle fluctuations of the vocal folds and the fact that when a voice 'breaks' during puberty, it's because the sound is vibrating at a lower frequency than the teenage body is used to. Also there are lessons to be learnt about the way we make assumptions about size, appearance and even personality just from hearing someone talk, all of which are often unfounded.
Cox also briefly touches on artificial intelligence's impact on the future of speech though this did noticeably shift focus away from the central argument so he could speculate on the wider creativity of machine thinking. Nevertheless this proved a worthwhile digression.
I didn't find every fact or study wholly engaging but there was plenty of variety in this book to please both my eye and ear. If like me you are interested by the sound of your own or indeed any voice, Now You're Talking is the introduction to audio history for you.
He covers a wide array of subjects from the horrific popularity of Castrati ('Long life the knife!') to shifting attitudes towards treating stuttering speech. I learnt about the subtle fluctuations of the vocal folds and the fact that when a voice 'breaks' during puberty, it's because the sound is vibrating at a lower frequency than the teenage body is used to. Also there are lessons to be learnt about the way we make assumptions about size, appearance and even personality just from hearing someone talk, all of which are often unfounded.
Cox also briefly touches on artificial intelligence's impact on the future of speech though this did noticeably shift focus away from the central argument so he could speculate on the wider creativity of machine thinking. Nevertheless this proved a worthwhile digression.
I didn't find every fact or study wholly engaging but there was plenty of variety in this book to please both my eye and ear. If like me you are interested by the sound of your own or indeed any voice, Now You're Talking is the introduction to audio history for you.
July 29, 2019
Engaging and fun, here's the story of human speech and language with a distinctly forward-looking angle.
Most of the second half indicates that our acoustic boffin author is clearly relishing the challenge of machine language learning, filling in the creativity gaps today's artificial intelligence can't quite overcome, and the clues this process will give him about how humans learned to communicate in the first place.
There are several mentions of the author's work with BBC radio, and that's about the level this popular science book's pitched, with examples and anecdotes that'll make the reader smile more often than scratch their head. It's an accessible, satisfying read - and that's often tricky for writers with brains the size of planets to sustain.
Most of the second half indicates that our acoustic boffin author is clearly relishing the challenge of machine language learning, filling in the creativity gaps today's artificial intelligence can't quite overcome, and the clues this process will give him about how humans learned to communicate in the first place.
There are several mentions of the author's work with BBC radio, and that's about the level this popular science book's pitched, with examples and anecdotes that'll make the reader smile more often than scratch their head. It's an accessible, satisfying read - and that's often tricky for writers with brains the size of planets to sustain.
November 13, 2019
Stronger on its biology and history than its futurism -- which is a fancy way of saying it loses a little steam at the end -- this is a smart and readable explanation of current theories of how we developed and use the ability to speak.
Cox really gets across the muscular complexity of speech, making it clear that forming words with our mouths and tongues is one of those "automatic" processes that we would never be able to do if we had to consciously think about it. After reading this, I feel a lot better about my struggles to learn Finnish -- it's hard enough to speak one language, so I feel less daunted by the difficulty of learning a second.
Cox really gets across the muscular complexity of speech, making it clear that forming words with our mouths and tongues is one of those "automatic" processes that we would never be able to do if we had to consciously think about it. After reading this, I feel a lot better about my struggles to learn Finnish -- it's hard enough to speak one language, so I feel less daunted by the difficulty of learning a second.
November 17, 2020
When you read Cox, you understand why taxes should be paid. I mean, why shouldn't this man hire on the taxpayer's expense every niece and nephew? After all he spent countless hours with the Neanderthals to study speech. His interviews with them are notorious on YouTube. And lately, he has been speaking with some of the Artificial Intelligences, which, for the sake of privacy, wish to remain annonymous. Compared with his colleagues who limit themselves to the 5000 year old audio tapes with the Bronze Age chieftains, this man should receive an Oscar. Or an Emmy.
August 22, 2021
Concordo con chi me lo ha consigliato è un libro molto interessante. Per me è stato affascinante pensare e riflettere su come non sia così scontato parlare, articolare un discorso. L'autore fa un ampia argomentazione partendo dal passato, dalle prime invenzioni, fino ai giorni nostri. I capitoli sono pieni zeppi di riferimenti bibliografici e link sul web. L'autore non scrive argomenti troppo tecnici ed è quindi un libro che può essere apprezzato da tutti.
August 30, 2018
Lots of ideas here. Could Neanderthals and other non-Sapiens humans talk? We don't know, but there's some interesting research going on.
At the other end of the scale, many people now have computers that recognise human voices and respond. Taking this further, can AIs ever be considered 'creative'?
At the other end of the scale, many people now have computers that recognise human voices and respond. Taking this further, can AIs ever be considered 'creative'?
December 3, 2018
A brilliant book to own, enjoy, consult and return to. Trevor Cox is an expert in “ Sound”. He researches, meets other experts, writes clearly for anyone who is curious about two basic questions. How come we humans can hear, speak and understand? And how is ever-expanding technology impacting on our lives and futures?
From lungfish who can hear to Neanderthals who could probably speak, via “Evolution”, “Three Ages of Voice”, “ My Voice is Me” and “Vocal Charisma”. Babies learning aspects of language in the womb. A new inner London accent. Coping with stuttering. 18C Italian operatic superstars.
“Electrifying the Voice”. Edison’s wax cylinder recording of “Mary had a little Lamb...” to astounded audiences. Bing Crosby paying for tape recording development, so he didn’t have to repeat live performances across USA time zones, and could play more golf. Beatboxing. Artificial voices. Manipulating performers’ sounds.
“ Are Robots merely Players”, “Beware, Computers have Ears” and “Computer Love Letters”. Machines that speak, sing, answer questions. Listen and act: Alexa, Amazon Echo. AI Robots primed with megyadata: Adam and Eve, searching for new effective medications.
But can computers really be creative?
From lungfish who can hear to Neanderthals who could probably speak, via “Evolution”, “Three Ages of Voice”, “ My Voice is Me” and “Vocal Charisma”. Babies learning aspects of language in the womb. A new inner London accent. Coping with stuttering. 18C Italian operatic superstars.
“Electrifying the Voice”. Edison’s wax cylinder recording of “Mary had a little Lamb...” to astounded audiences. Bing Crosby paying for tape recording development, so he didn’t have to repeat live performances across USA time zones, and could play more golf. Beatboxing. Artificial voices. Manipulating performers’ sounds.
“ Are Robots merely Players”, “Beware, Computers have Ears” and “Computer Love Letters”. Machines that speak, sing, answer questions. Listen and act: Alexa, Amazon Echo. AI Robots primed with megyadata: Adam and Eve, searching for new effective medications.
But can computers really be creative?
March 10, 2019
As a former Anthro students, I really enjoyed the first half of the book, about the evolution and physical structure of the voice/vocal apparatus. But as he moved into AI he sometimes got technical, but more annoyingly, as a UK writer, he used lots of UK pop culture references (music, tv, film) which mostly went over my head.
September 28, 2021
Basically, lots of interesting threads about linguistics and AI, loosely bundled together. I enjoyed it.
March 27, 2025
Увлекательно написанная книга. Какое отношение название имеет к содержанию, не ясно, ну да ладно
October 16, 2024
Otro de divulgación a mis favoritos.
Muy muy interesante. No necesitaba llegar hast AI, entonces esa parte como Zzz pero siento que es porque ya estoy saturado de escuchar de AI.
Muy muy interesante. No necesitaba llegar hast AI, entonces esa parte como Zzz pero siento que es porque ya estoy saturado de escuchar de AI.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews