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Storytelling, behavior planning, and language evolution in context.
1School of Psychology, University of Queensland Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Frontiers in Psychology
|November 1, 2014
Summary
Storytelling may have preceded language, acting as a natural selection mechanism. This model suggests behavior planning evolved from storytelling, shaping consciousness and language development through conversational feedback.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary anthropology
- Cognitive science
- Linguistics
Background:
- Hominin social structures and the origins of language are complex evolutionary questions.
- The role of non-linguistic behaviors in language evolution requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a model for hominin band structure and the initial steps toward language.
- To explore storytelling as a precursor to language, influenced by natural selection.
- To examine the link between storytelling, consciousness, and language evolution.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a storytelling model to understand its impact on cognitive and linguistic evolution.
- Presentation of behavior planning as a mechanism for language evolution from storytelling.
- Examination of conversational feedback in natural language development.
Main Results:
- Storytelling could evolve via natural selection, providing feedback for language development.
- A storytelling model influences the evolution of consciousness and the timing of language.
- Behavior programming offers a dual model for understanding behavior and language creation/comprehension.
Conclusions:
- Storytelling was a crucial step in developing a culture of experiences, leading to experienced adults via natural selection.
- Conversational feedback, including non-verbal cues, was essential for mutual understanding and natural language evolution.

