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A case for auditory temporal processing as an evolutionary precursor to speech processing and language function

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 February 2010

Roslyn Holly Fitch
Affiliation:
Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Newark Campus, Newark, NJ 07102. holly@axon.rutgers.edu

Abstract

Wilkins & Wakefield suggest that changes in the hominid brain made it uniquely “preadaptive” for language, yet no precursor functions served as adaptive substrates to the emergence of language. We present contrary evidence that the ability to discriminate and process rapid and complex auditory information is a cross-species function subserving communication processes including, but not limited to, human speech perception. We suggest that auditory temporal processing served as an evolutionary precursor to speech processing and consequent language development in humans.

Information

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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