The Curious Case of Scottish Babies Speaking Hebrew
Written on
Chapter 1: The Hypothetical Experiment
In 2015, the journal New Scientist published a speculative analysis involving a scenario where 100 infants were isolated on an island with only the essentials for survival. The goal was to investigate how they might develop their own language, social systems, and culture, free from historical influences.
This thought experiment, while intriguing, was purely hypothetical and involved experts from various disciplines conjecturing about possible outcomes. No actual infants were harmed during this inquiry.
Interestingly, this concept may have roots in a real experiment commissioned by Scottish King James IV (1488–1513), who was notably interested in scientific exploration. This peculiar experiment, conducted in 1493, involved placing a deaf and mute woman on Inchkeith Island in the Firth of Forth alongside two newborn infants.
King James sought to discover what language these children would begin to articulate, considering they had never been exposed to spoken language.
Chapter 2: The Language of Eden
The premise was that these children would naturally replicate the original language, often referred to as the “Tongue of God” or the language of Eden. Remarkably, it was reported that the children communicated in Hebrew.
Historian Robert Lindsay of Pitscottie, who lived during the 16th century and authored The Historie and Chronicles of Scotland, noted the Inchkeith experiment, stating that “some claim they spoke good Hebrew, though I cannot verify this, only reporting what I have heard.”
Despite its historical significance, this experiment raises ethical questions, particularly regarding the treatment of the subjects involved. The identities of the two infants remain unclear—were they twins born to the woman, or perhaps orphans delivered by a deceased mother?
Section 2.1: Insights from Modern Research
Recent studies have delved into how infants acquire language, suggesting that they may begin “hearing” words while still in utero. Although the deaf and mute woman could not have provided this exposure, it’s conceivable that others were present before and after the births, possibly speaking around the infants.
If the babies were not hers, they could have been surrounded by a “vocal environment” prior to their arrival on the island.
It is well-established that infants can absorb and comprehend words long before they can verbalize them, explaining the swift language development that occurs once they begin to speak.
Section 2.2: Dismissing the Myths
However, the idea that these infants “spoke good Hebrew” is likely a fabrication. It is illogical to assume that Biblical Hebrew emerged fully formed in the Garden of Eden, with Adam and Eve speaking it flawlessly from the moment of creation. All languages develop from ancient origins, and there is no evidence suggesting Hebrew is an exception.
This entire endeavor seems crafted to validate a predetermined conclusion, and it is unsurprising that the expected outcome—Hebrew speech—was reportedly achieved.
Another fascinating possibility is that the children may have developed “cryptophasia,” a term for a secret language that twins sometimes create. This form of idioglossia refers to a language used by very few individuals. Perhaps the observers for King James misidentified the unusual sounds as Hebrew.
The first video titled "Jewish Scotland" delves into the historical connections between Jews and Scotland, exploring cultural influences and linguistic ties.
The second video, "A Baby That Was Born In Israel Knowing The Entire Torah," discusses a fascinating case of an infant with extraordinary knowledge of Jewish texts, raising questions about language acquisition and cultural transmission.
For additional related pieces, check my Lists:
British History
Science
For updates and insights, follow my Twitter @welfordwrites.
Join Medium to explore more of my work and that of other authors. A portion of your membership will support my writing.