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What proper names, and their absence, do not demonstrate
1Department of Linguistics, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand andrew.carstairs-mccarthy@canterbury.ac.nz http://www.ling.canterbury.ac.nz/
The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|February 5, 2008
Summary
Empty variables may not have preceded proper names in language evolution, contrary to Hurford's claim. Evidence suggests visual perception plays a lesser role in grammar development than proposed.
Area of Science:
- Linguistics and Cognitive Science
- Evolution of Language
- Visual Perception
Background:
- Theories on the origins of linguistic structures and their relationship with cognitive abilities.
- Hurford's hypothesis posits that empty variables in predicate-argument structures predated proper names.
- This hypothesis suggests a link between linguistic evolution and visual perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the evidence supporting Hurford's claim regarding empty variables and proper names.
- To assess the proposed influence of linguistic evolution on visual perception.
- To determine the relevance of visual perception to the development of grammar.
Main Methods:
- Critical analysis of evidence presented by Hurford.
- Examination of data related to proper names and non-human conspecific recognition.
- Comparative assessment of linguistic and visual perception theories.
Main Results:
- Hurford's evidence, based on proper names and non-human recognition, is found to be weak.
- The proposed link between linguistic evolution and visual perception is not strongly supported.
- The role of visual perception in grammar evolution appears less significant than suggested.
Conclusions:
- The claim that empty variables antedated proper names in linguistic structures requires stronger evidence.
- Visual perception's role in the evolution of grammar may be overestimated.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the interplay between language, cognition, and perception.
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