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Related Concept Videos

Language01:16

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Language is a unique communication system that uses words and systematic rules to organize and transmit information. Unlike other forms of communication, which may involve postures, movements, odors, or vocalizations, language relies on symbols and grammar. This makes human communication distinct from that of other species, who also communicate but do not use language in the same way humans do.
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Evolutionary Psychology01:20

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Evolutionary psychology explores the origins of human behavior and mental processes by framing them within the context of natural selection, a theory famously propounded by Charles Darwin. This field asserts that many behaviors common across human societies — ranging from instinctive fear reactions to complex social interactions — arose as evolutionary adaptations. These adaptations enhanced the survival and reproductive success of our ancestors, thereby becoming embedded in the...
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Language is a system of communication that allows the expression of thoughts, ideas, and feelings. The brain processes language in both hemispheres.
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Early human communication helps in understanding language evolution.

Daniela Lenti Boero1

  • 1Department of Social and Human Sciences,University of Valle d'Aosta,11010 Aosta,Italy.d.lentiboero@univda.ithttp://www.univda.it/lentiboerodaniela.

The Behavioral and Brain Sciences
|December 18, 2014
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Summary

Human language ontogeny in the first year of life offers a novel model for understanding language evolution. This developmental phase illuminates the co-evolution of motor and auditory skills and early referential communication.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Developmental psychology
  • Linguistics

Background:

  • Ackermann et al. proposed a theory of language evolution based on extant species.
  • Understanding the origins of spoken language requires examining its foundational building blocks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce human language ontogeny in the first year of life as a complementary model for language evolution.
  • To explore how this developmental phase informs the co-evolution of speech motor and auditory skills.
  • To investigate the phylogenetic links between protospeech and referential capabilities.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of extant species' theories.
  • Observational study of human infant language development (first year).
  • Theoretical integration of developmental and evolutionary perspectives.

Main Results:

  • Human infant development provides a unique window into early language acquisition.
  • Early vocalizations and auditory processing in infants offer insights into speech evolution.
  • The first year of life demonstrates foundational co-evolution of motor-auditory skills and proto-referential communication.

Conclusions:

  • Human language ontogeny is a valuable model for understanding spoken language evolution.
  • Early developmental stages are crucial for understanding the phylogenetic emergence of speech.
  • Further research into infant development can refine theories of language evolution.