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An avian parallel to primate mirror neurons and language evolution?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 August 2005

Irene M. Pepperberg
Irene M. Pepperberg*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Brandeis University, MS062, Waltham, MA 02454 http://www.alexfoundation.org>
*
impepper@media.mit.edu
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Abstract:

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Arbib presents a reasoned explanation for language evolution from nonhuman to human primates, one that I argue can be equally applied to animals trained in forms of interspecies communication. I apply his criteria for language readiness and language (in actuality, protolanguage) to the behavior of a Grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) taught to communicate with humans using rudiments of English speech.

Information

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 28 , Issue 2 , April 2005 , pp. 141
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2005

References

Note

1. Expression of the ZENK gene, a songbird analog to a human transcription factor, egr-1, is driven by actions of singing and hearing. Hence, it is used to form a functional map of avian brains for behavior related to both auditory processing and vocal production (Jarvis & Mello 2000).