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Languages as evolving organisms – The solution to the logical problem of language evolution?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 October 2008

Christina Behme
Christina Behme
Affiliation:
Department of Philosophy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4P9, [email protected]
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Abstract

Christiansen & Chater (C&C) argue persuasively that Universal Grammar (UG) could not have arisen through evolutionary processes. I provide additional suggestions to strengthen the argument against UG evolution. Further, I suggest that C&C's solution to the logical problem of language evolution faces several problems. Widening the focus to mechanisms of general cognition and inclusion of animal communication research might overcome these problems.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 31 , Issue 5 , October 2008 , pp. 512 - 513
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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