LANGUAGE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF COMPLEXITY.

Abstract

This article examines human language from the perspective of the biology of knowledge and complexity, focusing on the theoretical contributions of Humberto Maturana and the so-called Santiago School. Through a conceptual and interdisciplinary analysis, the study explores the origin of language, its acquisition process, and its nature as a biological and relational phenomenon closely linked to hominid evolution, socialization, and affective coexistence. The article contrasts this approach with other classical explanations of language origins, particularly Friedrich Engels’ Marxist view, which emphasizes labor as a determining factor, as well as with traditional religious and linguistic theories. It also discusses the relationship between language, mind, and brain, highlighting Maturana’s claim that mental processes and self-consciousness are not isolated internal attributes but emerge within the domain of human relations and shared “languaging.” Contributions from thinkers such as Gregory Bateson, Fritjof Capra, and Jean Piaget are incorporated to enrich the discussion on linguistic complexity and its constitutive role in human life. Additionally, the article addresses general aspects of language acquisition, emphasizing early interaction, innate capacities, and affective bonding as fundamental elements. The study concludes that approaching language from the standpoint of complexity enables a comprehensive understanding of human beings as biological, social, and cultural entities.