How reading works: considerations from prehistory to the present

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Anthropology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Reading is a recent human invention, not a naturally evolved ability.
• No specific brain structures evolved for reading due to its recent emergence.
• The concept of preadaptation suggests existing structures were repurposed for reading.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate which ancient human skills may have preadapted the brain for reading.
• To understand the evolutionary underpinnings that made reading possible.

Main Methods:

• Review of anthropological and neuroscientific research on preadaptation.
• Analysis of cognitive functions potentially involved in early reading.

Main Results:

• Findings indicate that gestural comprehension was a key predisposing factor.
• Animal tracking skills also appear to be foundational for reading-related brain organization.

Conclusions:

• The human brain's capacity for reading is built upon ancient cognitive skills.
• Gestural comprehension and animal tracking represent crucial preadaptive functions for reading.