March 19, 2016

March 19, 2016

Written by Maximus Peperkamp, M.S. Verbal Engineer

Dear Reader,

In “Humble Behaviorism” Neuringer (1991) suggests “Rather than arguing about the best language, all would profit from the more difficult but productive activity of translation.” He admits that behaviorists are “arguing”, but he is not aware that that is Noxious Verbal Behavior (NVB). Also, he doesn’t realize that successful “translation” would have to involve Sound Verbal Behavior (SVB) which signifies the end of the argument. Not surprisingly, Neuringer considers the productive activity of translation more difficult than arguing, As all scientists, he too only limits himself to written language. Moreover, he cannot become familiar with the SVB/NVB distinction as he abdicates and underestimates the importance of spoken language. When we have SVB, however, we find it is not more difficult than NVB. To the contrary, SVB is easier than NVB. Moreover, once we have SVB, there is no need to translate anymore as we communicate in the most sensitive, intelligent and effective manner. Although Skinner (1974) and “many others have also attempted translations across disciplines”, they have all focused mainly on writing and in doing so dismissed the importance of speaking. Ironically, Neuringer asks his students “not to talk or write in a particular way, but instead to communicate." He seems to be getting at something. In Holland we would say he heard the sound of the bell, but doesn't know where the clapper hangs. He insists that communication "often requires that they use a language grounded in observations of behaviors and events.” However, his insistence on written, not spoken words. I stimulate my students to talk and they end up having SVB and their writing as a function of their experience of SVB while speaking.