Language Vs Animal Communication

Paper Summary:

The paper provides a literature review on the evolution of language in humans and primates that explores why man is overtly superior to non-Homo sapiens. The paper reveals current findings that have demonstrated that chimpanzees can communicate verbally. The paper proposes a study that will identify brain activities occurring in chimpanzees and localize areas involved in the production of verbal language.

Outline:
Review of Related Literature
Objective of the Proposed Study
Study Design

From the Paper:

"Numerous studies have been conducted to further understand the unique ability of man to use language as a tool for communication. Common issues have been attempted to answer by developmental scientists and psychologist with regards to the evolution of language in humans and primates (Pinker and Jackendoff, 2004). One of these issues is to discern which components of language are learned from the environment, and which are innate in man and other species. The influence of one's external surroundings - education system, interaction with others, and ability to pick up a new language system - has been dissected. At the same time, the biological and neurological characteristics of man have been investigated to understand why man is overtly superior to non-Homo sapiens. These characteristics innate in man must be contributory to the development of a highly sophisticated language system."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Hopkins, W. D., Taglialatela, J. P., and Leavens, D. A. (2007). "Chimpanzees differentially produce novel vocalizations to capture the attention of a human." Animal Behavior, 73: 281-286.
• Kawai, N., Morokuma, S., Tomonaga, M., Horimoto, N., and Tanaka, M. (2004). "Associative learning and memory in a chimpanzee fetus: learning and long-lasting memory before birth." Developmental Psychobiology, 44: 116-122.
• Kuberbuhler, K. (2002). "A syntactic rule in forest monkey communication." Animal Behavior, 63: 293-299.
• Pinker, S. and Jackendoff, R. (2004). "The faculty of language: what's so special about it?" Cognition, 95: 201-236.
• Taglialatela, J. P., Russell, J. L., Schaeffer, J. A., and Hopkins, W. D. (2008). "Communicative signaling activates Broca's homolog in chimpanzees." Current Biology, 18: 343-348.

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