lcc3 flash

Term    Definition

Cognitive Niche          A survival strategy where humans manipulate the environment through reasoning and cooperation.

Pre-adaptation            A trait that originally evolved for another purpose but later facilitated language evolution.

Symbolic Communication   Use of arbitrary signs (e.g., words) to refer to concepts; essential for language.

Iterated Learning        Cultural transmission mechanism where language evolves across generations through learning.

Mirror Neurons           Brain cells that fire both when performing and observing actions; linked to imitation and language.

Multi-agent Modeling             Simulations where virtual agents interact to study language emergence and evolution.

FOXP2 Gene   A gene involved in speech and language development; shows signs of human-specific evolution.

Metaphorical Abstraction     The cognitive ability to apply concrete concepts to abstract domains.

Grammar         Rules governing the structure of language, enabling infinite expressiveness from finite elements.

Joint Attention             Shared focus on an object or event, considered foundational for language acquisition.

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❓ Flashcards: Q&A

Question         Answer

What is the 'cognitive niche' according to Pinker?             A mode of survival based on reasoning, cooperation, and knowledge sharing.

How do pre-adaptations relate to language evolution?       They are traits that set the stage for the later development of language.

What role do mirror neurons play in language?              They support imitation and understanding intentions, foundational for communication.

What is the significance of the FOXP2 gene?              It is linked to speech and language abilities and evolved uniquely in humans.

Why is iterated learning important for language evolution?       It explains how language structures are passed and refined over generations.

What is a symbol in language?          An arbitrary form linked to a meaning, such as a word.

How does metaphorical abstraction support cognition?       It enables humans to apply physical reasoning to abstract ideas.

Why is computational modeling used in language evolution?  To simulate and test theories about how language could emerge.

What is the difference between biological and cultural evolution of language?        Biological evolution is genetic, while cultural evolution happens through learning and transmission.

What controversy exists between speech and gesture origins?          Debate on whether language first evolved as vocal speech or manual gesture.