
Contents
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Abstract Abstract
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Introduction Introduction
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Syntax in Animals? Syntax in Animals?
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General Characteristics of Animal versus Human Communication General Characteristics of Animal versus Human Communication
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Phonological and Syntactical Complexity Need Not Equal Lexical Syntax Phonological and Syntactical Complexity Need Not Equal Lexical Syntax
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Experimental Studies of Grammatical Capabilities of Nonhuman Species Experimental Studies of Grammatical Capabilities of Nonhuman Species
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Experimental Studies on the Neurobiological Correlates of Syntax in Humans Experimental Studies on the Neurobiological Correlates of Syntax in Humans
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Genetic Influences on Syntax Genetic Influences on Syntax
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How an Evolutionary Perspective Constrains Syntactic Theory How an Evolutionary Perspective Constrains Syntactic Theory
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Evolutionary Mechanisms for the Evolution of Syntax Evolutionary Mechanisms for the Evolution of Syntax
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Exaptation of Nonlinguistic Capacities for Syntax Exaptation of Nonlinguistic Capacities for Syntax
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Coevolution of Genes and Social Transmission with Regard to Syntax Coevolution of Genes and Social Transmission with Regard to Syntax
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Baldwinian Process Baldwinian Process
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Waddingtonian Process Waddingtonian Process
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Niche Construction Niche Construction
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Correlates of Syntax in the Fossil Record Correlates of Syntax in the Fossil Record
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Conclusions Conclusions
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Acknowledgments Acknowledgments
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10 What Are the Possible Biological and Genetic Foundations for Syntactic Phenomena?
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Published:September 2009
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Abstract
Syntax is a highly complex system unique to humans, and its evolution is even more complex. The comparative method used by biologists is not sufficient to elucidate human language but can still be employed to conduct investigations from the bottom up. This chapter examines the syntactic abilities of animals and the influence of genes on syntax or on language. It discusses potential evolutionary constraints and some potential mechanisms for the evolution of syntax, including the Baldwin effect, genetic assimilation, masking, and unmasking. It concludes with a review of the fossil and archaeological evidence that may help elucidate the evolution of syntax and formulate testable predictions.
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