Speaking in Tongues:Theories on the Origins of Language

Sharon N. Solomon xerexes@yahoo.com

M. A. Thesis

Department of Anthropology

University of Toronto May 2001

Index

Introduction

Part I: Theories of Language Origins

Chomsky

Bickerton

Pinker

Part II: How Do Modern Childern Acquire Speech?

Prosody

Timing of Language Acquisition

Part III: Biological Mechanisms of Human Language

Vocal Anatomy

Language Areas of the Brain

Part IV: Nonhuman Primate Communication

Alarm Calls

Girneys

Vocal Responsiveness

Social Learning

Duets

Long Calls

Part V: Other Theories Of Language Origins In Hominids

Cognitive Enhancement

Social Intelligence/Theory of Mind

Social Grooming

Gesture

Conclusion

References