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Language Evolution: A Changing Perspective.

Michael C Corballis1

  • 1School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.

Trends in Cognitive Sciences
|February 19, 2017
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Language evolved gradually from mental processes, not suddenly. Humans uniquely communicate complex mental experiences and knowledge, supporting evolutionary theory over sudden bestowal.

Keywords:
evolutionlanguagemental time traveltheory of mindthought

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Cognitive science
  • Linguistics

Background:

  • Traditional views posit language as a sudden, unique human faculty, primarily for thought.
  • This perspective conflicts with evolutionary principles of incremental development.
  • Some scientists and linguists still adhere to the sudden bestowal theory.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To challenge the notion of language as a sudden, unique human trait.
  • To propose an evolutionary framework for language development.
  • To explore the link between language and gradual cognitive evolution.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of existing theories on language evolution.
  • Argumentation based on evolutionary principles.
  • Examination of cognitive capacities like mental time travel and theory of mind.

Main Results:

  • Language originates from mental processes with gradual evolutionary paths.
  • Generative capacities for mental time travel and inferring others' mental states are key.
  • Human distinctiveness lies in communicating these mental experiences and derived knowledge.

Conclusions:

  • Language evolution is incremental, aligning with evolutionary theory.
  • Cognitive functions like mental time travel underpin language.
  • Human communication of mental experiences represents a significant evolutionary step.