Hostname: page-component-74656f9884-c52kr Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2026-11-08T01:36:55.057Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Is preadaptation for language a necessary assumption?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 February 2010

David J. Bryant
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115. bryant@neu.edu

Abstract

Preadaptation for language is an unnecessary assumption because intermediate stages of linguistic ability are possible and adaptive. Language could have evolved through gradual selection from structures exhibiting few features associated with modern structures. Without physical evidence pertaining to language ability in prehabilis hominids, it remains possible that selective pressures for language use preceded and necessitated modern neurolinguistic structures.

Information

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

Article purchase

Temporarily unavailable