Can vocal conditioning trigger a semiotic ratchet in marmosets?
Hjalmar K Turesson1, Sidarta Ribeiro1
1Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte , Natal, Brazil.
Frontiers in Psychology
|October 27, 2015
Summary
Human language shares features with primate communication, but differs in compositionality and cultural transmission. We propose vocal conditioning experiments in marmosets to study semiotic complexification.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Ethology
- Linguistics
- Neurobiology
- Primatology
- Semiotics
- Cognitive psychology
Background:
- Human language is often considered unique, posing challenges to evolutionary explanations.
- Existing research in animal behavior, neuroscience, and linguistics suggests shared features between human and primate communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary origins and mechanisms of human language.
- To explore the potential for complex vocal communication and semiotic development in non-human primates.
- To establish a model for studying language disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of ethological, anatomical, molecular, and computational data across species.
- Analysis of primate communication systems, including sensorimotor processing, signaling, and social learning.
- Proposal of conditioning experiments in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) to test hypotheses on semiotic complexification.
Main Results:
- Human language shares sensorimotor circuits, indexical/symbolic signaling, and social learning with other primates.
- Key human distinctions include symbolic compositionality, rapid cultural transmission, and cumulative adaptation (cultural ratchet).
- Hypothesis: Complex vocal conditioning can induce a 'semiotic ratchet' leading to progressive sign complexification.
Conclusions:
- Human language evolved from more basic primate communication systems.
- The common marmoset serves as a suitable model to investigate the evolution of complex communication and cultural transmission.
- Understanding semiotic complexification in animals can illuminate human language evolution and disorders.
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