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Adaptation to moving targets: culture/gene coevolution, not either/or

Authors :
Barrett, H. Clark
Frankenhuis, Willem E.
Wilke, Andreas
Source :
Behavioral and Brain Sciences. Oct, 2008, Vol. 31 Issue 5, p511, 2 p.
Publication Year :
2008

Abstract

We agree that much of language evolution is likely to be adaptation of languages to properties of the brain. However, the attempt to rule out the existence of language-specific adaptations a priori is misguided. In particular, the claim that adaptation to 'moving targets' cannot occur is false. Instead, the details of gene-culture coevolution in language are an empirical matter.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0140525X
Volume :
31
Issue :
5
Database :
Gale General OneFile
Journal :
Behavioral and Brain Sciences
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsgcl.187962122