Christiansen, MH;
Chater, N;
(2008)
Brains, genes, and language evolution: A new synthesis.
BEHAV BRAIN SCI
, 31
(5)
537 - 558.
10.1017/S0140525X08003281.
![[thumbnail of download9.pdf]](https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/style/images/fileicons/application_pdf.png) Preview |
PDF
download9.pdf Available under License : See the attached licence file. Download (731kB) |
Abstract
Our target article argued that a genetically specified Universal Grammar (UG), capturing arbitrary properties of languages, is not tenable on evolutionary grounds, and that the close fit between language and language learners arises because language is shaped by the brain, rather than the reverse. Few commentaries defend a genetically specified UG. Some commentators argue that we underestimate the importance of processes of cultural transmission; some propose additional cognitive and brain mechanisms that may constrain language and perhaps differentiate humans from nonhuman primates; and others argue that we overstate or understate the case against co-evolution of language genes. In engaging with these issues, we suggest that a new synthesis concerning the relationship between brains, genes, and language may be emerging.
| Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Title: | Brains, genes, and language evolution: A new synthesis |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| DOI: | 10.1017/S0140525X08003281 |
| Publisher version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X08005281 |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | © 2008 Cambridge University Press |
| Keywords: | WORKING-MEMORY, SEVERE SPEECH, HYPOTHESIS, ACQUISITION, FREQUENCY, DISORDER, ORIGINS, MINDS, AGE |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/124403 |
Archive Staff Only
 |
View Item |
