Hi Is it possible that all brain components necessary for language (presumably there are many?) might individually be found in different species but that the unique combination necessary for language only occurs in humans? And does an association between a particular gene and specific language dysfunctions necessarily mean that the gene primarily serves a linguistic purpose? Genes important for sequential actions, for example, presumably would disrupt sequential linguistic functions (e.g., articulation) as well as other sequences of behavior that have similar demands for ordered responding.
Take care Jim James M. Clark Professor of Psychology 204-786-9757 204-774-4134 Fax [email protected] Department of Psychology University of Winnipeg Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2E9 CANADA >>> "Mike Palij" <[email protected]> 29-May-09 8:05 AM >>> In the NY Times Nicholas Wade has an article on the role that a gene (FOXP2) has in language usage. He points out that this gene attracted attention when a defective version of it was found in a London family that had problems in articulation and aspects of grammar. FOXP2 is found in other species but in a somewhat different form. Chimpanzees and mice have it and Wade describes some recently published research that tansplanted the human version of FOXP2 into mice. Did the mice begin to speak? Will the IRB permit similar work with chimpanzees? Things that make you go "Hmmmmm...". Wade's article is available at the following addresss: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/29/science/29mouse.html?_r=1&ref=science The original research article which was published in the journal Cell by Wolfgan Enard and about 50 co-authors is available at this site: http://www.cell.com/fulltext/S0092-8674(09)00378-X Hmmm, maybe language isn't such a unique human capability after all? -Mike Palij New York University [email protected] --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected]) --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected])
