Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-fscjk Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-26T04:42:38.074Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

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, MA02454http://www.alexfoundation.org>
*
impepper@media.mit.edu
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract:

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.

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

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.)

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).