Evolutionary principles and the emergence of syntax
- 1 December 1996
- journal article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Behavioral and Brain Sciences
- Vol. 19 (4) , 646-647
- https://doi.org/10.1017/s0140525x00043466
Abstract
The belief that syntax is an innate, autonomous, species-specific module is highly questionable. Syntax demonstrates the mosaic nature of evolutionary change, in that it made use of (and led to the enhancement of) numerous preexisting neurocognitive features. It is best understood as an emergent characteristic of the explosion of semantic complexity that occurred during hominid evolution.Keywords
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