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The evolution of hierarchically structured communication.

Ronald J Planer1,2

  • 1School of Liberal Arts, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.

Frontiers in Psychology
|September 28, 2023
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Human language evolved hierarchical structure from structured action, not just linguistic theory. Enhanced abilities in action organization, control, and interpretation drove this complex communication system in hominins.

Keywords:
action structureconversationcopyingformal grammarhierarchical cognitionhierarchical structurerepair initiatorsstone tools

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary linguistics
  • Cognitive neuroscience
  • Human evolution

Background:

  • Human language exhibits complex hierarchical structure, unlike great ape communication systems.
  • Explaining the evolution of this hierarchical communication is a key challenge in human language evolution theories.
  • Orthodox linguistic theories often overlook the evolutionary origins of hierarchical language structure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a novel account of hierarchical structure in language, departing from traditional linguistic perspectives.
  • To explain the evolution of hierarchically structured communication by rooting it in the cognitive neuroscience of action.
  • To highlight the role of hominin technology and social learning in driving the evolution of complex communication.

Main Methods:

  • Presented a new theoretical framework for understanding linguistic structure as structured action.
  • Drew upon principles from cognitive neuroscience of action, rather than formal linguistic theory.
  • Examined the potential evolutionary pathways driven by selection for action organization, control, and interpretation.

Main Results:

  • Linguistic structure, including hierarchy, can be conceptualized as a specialized form of structured action.
  • Selection for enhanced action control and interpretation capacities in actors and observers could build necessary brain machinery.
  • Hominin tool use (technique and technology) and social learning are identified as key evolutionary drivers.

Conclusions:

  • An action-centric view provides a neuroscientifically grounded explanation for the evolution of hierarchical language.
  • The development of complex communication is linked to the evolution of sophisticated motor control and social cognition.
  • Hominin technological advancements and cultural transmission played a crucial role in shaping our unique communication abilities.