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Perceptual elements in brain mechanisms of acoustic communication in humans and nonhuman primates

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  17 December 2014

David H. Reser
Affiliation:
Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC3800, Australia. [email protected]://www.med.monash.edu.au/physiology/staff/reser.html
Marcello Rosa
Affiliation:
Department of Physiology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC3800, Australia. [email protected]://www.med.monash.edu.au/physiology/staff/reser.html Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Integrative Brain Function, Monash University Node, Melbourne, VIC 3800. [email protected]://www.med.monash.edu.au/physiology/staff/rosa.html

Abstract

Ackermann et al. outline a model for elaboration of subcortical motor outputs as a driving force for the development of the apparently unique behaviour of language in humans. They emphasize circuits in the striatum and midbrain, and acknowledge, but do not explore, the importance of the auditory perceptual pathway for evolution of verbal communication. We suggest that understanding the evolution of language will also require understanding of vocalization perception, especially in the auditory cortex.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2014 

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