Re: Are we "special"?

Thomas Clarke (clarke@acme.ist.ucf.edu)
10 Dec 1996 21:30:56 GMT

Looking for references on gesture analysis for a project in teleconferencing,
I came across the following citation and abstract which might be of interest:

Authors: Lieberman, Philip
Title: Human language and human uniqueness.

FOUND IN: Language & Communication; Jan 1994, v14, n1, p87(9)

Abstract: The neural bases for vocabulary, speech and syntax, the
constituent features of human language, are different.
Speech and syntax are exclusive to humans and the neural
base that controls speech also controls cognitive
capacities. Though several activities of chimpanzees are
in common with humans, suggesting similar neural controls,
the one that controls speech and syntax has evolved
differently to make humans unique in their communicative
capacities.

ISSN: 0271-5309