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Language as shaped by the brain; the brain as shaped by development

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 October 2008

Joseph C. Toscano ,
Lynn K. Perry ,
Kathryn L. Mueller ,
Allison F. Bean ,
Marcus E. Galle  and
Larissa K. Samuelson
Joseph C. Toscano
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA [email protected]://www.uiowa.edu/[email protected]@uiowa.edu
Lynn K. Perry
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA [email protected]://www.uiowa.edu/[email protected]@uiowa.edu
Kathryn L. Mueller
Affiliation:
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA [email protected]@uiowa.edu
Allison F. Bean
Affiliation:
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA [email protected]@uiowa.edu
Marcus E. Galle
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA [email protected]://www.uiowa.edu/[email protected]@uiowa.edu
Larissa K. Samuelson
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology and Iowa Center for Developmental and Learning Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242. [email protected]
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Abstract

Though we agree with their argument that language is shaped by domain-general learning processes, Christiansen & Chater (C&C) neglect to detail how the development of these processes shapes language change. We discuss a number of examples that show how developmental processes at multiple levels and timescales are critical to understanding the origin of domain-general mechanisms that shape language evolution.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 31 , Issue 5 , October 2008 , pp. 535 - 536
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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