
Contents
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Abstract Abstract
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Preamble Preamble
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Representation and Communication Representation and Communication
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Semantic Memory Semantic Memory
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Episodic Memory Episodic Memory
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Working Memory and Attention Working Memory and Attention
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Communicative Codes Communicative Codes
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Grammar Grammar
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Grammatical Coding Devices Grammatical Coding Devices
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Constructions Constructions
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Universals Universals
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Developmental Trends Developmental Trends
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Grammar as an Adaptive Function Grammar as an Adaptive Function
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Representation vs. Communication Representation vs. Communication
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Pre-grammar Pre-grammar
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Grammar and Other Minds Grammar and Other Minds
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Mental Models of Epistemic States Mental Models of Epistemic States
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Mental Models of Deontic States Mental Models of Deontic States
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Evolutionary Considerations Evolutionary Considerations
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Phonology and Semantic Memory Phonology and Semantic Memory
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Grammar and Episodic Memory Grammar and Episodic Memory
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Early Hominid Communicative Ecology Early Hominid Communicative Ecology
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Human Communicative Ecology Human Communicative Ecology
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Rise of Displaced Spatiotemporal Reference Rise of Displaced Spatiotemporal Reference
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From Manipulative to Informative Speech Acts From Manipulative to Informative Speech Acts
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From Mono-propositional to Multi-propositional Discourse From Mono-propositional to Multi-propositional Discourse
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Neurology and Grammar Neurology and Grammar
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Overview Overview
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Linguistic Representation Systems Linguistic Representation Systems
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Lexical Semantics and Words Lexical Semantics and Words
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Propositional Semantics and Simple Clauses Propositional Semantics and Simple Clauses
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Complex Clauses and Long-distance Dependencies Complex Clauses and Long-distance Dependencies
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Unresolved Issues Unresolved Issues
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Grammar as a Distributed Network Grammar as a Distributed Network
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Morphology Morphology
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Conjoined vs. Embedded Clauses Conjoined vs. Embedded Clauses
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Representation of Other Minds Representation of Other Minds
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Module Sharing, Circuit Sharing, and Evolution Module Sharing, Circuit Sharing, and Evolution
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Acknowledgments Acknowledgments
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5 The Adaptive Approach to Grammar
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Published:September 2009
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Abstract
This chapter focuses on the adaptive function of grammar (morpho-syntax) in its wider context, namely, that of human cognition and communication. It views the adaptive niche of grammar as a primary means of communication rather than mental representation. Specific communicative intents associated with morpho-syntactic constructions pertain to the mental representation, in the mind of the speaker-hearer, of the constantly shifting epistemic and deontic states of the interlocutor during ongoing communication. Hence, grammar is a streamlined, highly automated theory-of-mind processor. The rise and instantiation of universals of grammar can be attributed to the three developmental trends that shape human language: diachrony, ontogeny, and evolution. The chapter discusses the evolution of grammar in the context of the evolving cultural and communicative ecology of humans, along with the neurology of grammar and its putative evolution.
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