Introduction
Human cognition could be defined as not only the theoretical but also the scientific study of how the brains of human beings work. Ii is scientific in a way that it follows different scientific models to come up with an understanding.
On the other side we could define language as a system of communicating information. Language thus involves certain auditory, visual or tactile form of symbols for direct communication as well as the rules and or principles used to manipulate these symbols.
Analysis
Language or short is not only the spoken part of it. It involves different symbols that depending on the medium of communication can be mapped to various concepts with different meanings.
By saying that language is the sine qua non of human cognition we mean that language is an indispensable part of the process of human cognition.
This is not necessarily true since we have witnessed instances where language was not an indispensable part of the human cognition process. From ancient times many different communities had their own ways of doing things. These specific communities were able to understand each other through different combinations of symbols, their manipulation and the use of spoken language.
If this is the case how can we explain how different cultures have come to understand each other and even learn their ways of life, speak their languages and even learn and behave like them. This means that there is another aspect of the process of human cognition that is not part of the role played by language.
The models we use in human cognition need to be similar to the process of human thought. Issues of cognitive architecture, cognitive modeling and artificial intelligence needs to be explicitly scrutinized to see their contribution to thee process of human cognition.
Regardless of this claim it is necessary to note that language is very crucial in the process of human cognition. Although there are other factors responsible to oversee the entire process language is one of the most important of factors.
Assume for instance a 3 days old kid although she might not recognize its mother it has its own means of communication. If the kid is hungry or not feeling well it will start to cry. This is an expression of language since the sound will attract its mother and the mother will understand what the child wants. In the same way if two persons from two entirely different cultures meet they might use certain types of symbols or series of actions that will lead one to understand what the other wants.
Conclusion
The process of human cognition is difficult to understand. We have seen instances where people have used language either spoken or through the use of symbols to deceive others. Such instances put a limit towards the degree towards which we can claim we understand the process.
From ancient times many different communities had their own ways of doing things. These specific communities were able to understand each other through different combinations of symbols, their manipulation and the use of spoken language.