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Languages as evolving organisms – The solution to the logical problem of language evolution?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 October 2008

Christina Behme
Christina Behme
Affiliation:
Department of Philosophy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4P9, CanadaChristina.Behme@dal.ca
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Abstract

Christiansen & Chater (C&C) argue persuasively that Universal Grammar (UG) could not have arisen through evolutionary processes. I provide additional suggestions to strengthen the argument against UG evolution. Further, I suggest that C&C's solution to the logical problem of language evolution faces several problems. Widening the focus to mechanisms of general cognition and inclusion of animal communication research might overcome these problems.

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Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 31 , Issue 5 , October 2008 , pp. 512 - 513
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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