The potential for genetic adaptations to language

Pagel, M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7287-8865 and Atkinson, Q. D. (2008) The potential for genetic adaptations to language. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 31 (5). 529-+. ISSN 0140-525X doi: 10.1017/s0140525x08005207

Abstract/Summary

We suggest there is somewhat more potential than Christiansen & Chater (C&C) allow for genetic adaptations specific to language. Our uniquely cooperative social system requires sophisticated language skills. Learning and performance of some culturally transmitted elements in animals is genetically based, and we give examples of features of human language that evolve slowly enough that genetic adaptations to them may arise.