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An evolutionary model for the learning of language

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 August 1998

Jechil S. Sieratzki
Affiliation:
Dana Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, [email protected]
Bencie Woll
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Communication Studies, City University, London EC1V OHB, [email protected]

Abstract

This commentary deals with the relation between human language and nonverbal signals used by nonhuman primates. It suggests that human language could have developed through the interaction of procedural learning with a preexisting system for socio-affective communication. The introduction of “content” into existing “frames” requires a neurobiologically plausible learning mechanism.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
© 1998 Cambridge University Press

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