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Related Experiment Videos

The evolution of the language faculty: clarifications and implications.

W Tecumseh Fitch1, Marc D Hauser, Noam Chomsky

  • 1University of St Andrews, School of Psychology, St Andrews, KY16 9JP, Scotland, UK. wsf@st-andrews.ac.uk

Cognition
|August 23, 2005
PubMed
Summary

This study refines a framework for language evolution research, emphasizing the need to dissect language into component mechanisms (FLN) and interfaces (FLB) for empirical investigation. It argues against speculative adaptive storytelling in favor of comparative biology and interdisciplinary collaboration.

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Area of Science:

  • Linguistics
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • The study of language evolution faces challenges due to its complexity and lack of direct empirical data.
  • Previous frameworks have been critiqued, necessitating clarification and refinement.
  • Interdisciplinary approaches are crucial for advancing the field.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To extend a framework for discussing language evolution.
  • To clarify distinctions between language components, specifically focusing on the Faculty of Language in the Narrow sense (FLN) and the Faculty of Language in the Broad sense (FLB).
  • To address critiques and propose a path forward for empirical research.

Main Methods:

  • Fractionation of "language" into component mechanisms and interfaces.

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  • Distinction between FLN and FLB to aid interdisciplinary understanding.
  • Response to specific critiques and data presented by Pinker and Jackendoff.

    • Main Results:

    • Pinker and Jackendoff's critique often mischaracterizes the proposed hypothesis by conflating FLN with "language" as a whole.
    • Many arguments against the minimalist program are irrelevant to the presented hypothesis.
    • Emphasis on past adaptive history is deemed misplaced and speculative.

    Conclusions:

    • Profitable research requires fractionating language into component mechanisms and interfaces.
    • Empirical research, grounded in comparative biology and interdisciplinary collaboration, is essential for progress.
    • Adaptive storytelling and phylogenetic speculation should be minimized in favor of testable hypotheses.