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Gesture in language evolution: Could I but raise my hand to it!

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 October 2003

John L. Bradshaw*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Monash University (Clayton Campus), Victoria3800, Australiahttp://www.med.monash.edu.au/psych/research/exp_neuro/john.html

Abstract:

An intervening gestural stage in language evolution, though seductive, is ultimately redundant, and is not necessarily supported by modern human or chimp behaviour. The findings and arguments offered from mirror neurones, anatomy, and lateralization are capable of other interpretations, and the manipulative dextrality of chimps is under-recognized. While language certainly possesses certain unique properties, its roots are ancient.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2003

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