Related links

Authoritative: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0140525X08005207   (Publisher's PDF... likely be available here.)

Web search: Google Web Search   ::   Google Scholar

Abstract

We suggest there is somewhat more potential than Christiansen & Chater (C&C) allow for genetic adaptations specific to language. Our uniquely cooperative social system requires sophisticated language skills. Learning and performance of some culturally transmitted elements in animals is genetically based, and we give examples of features of human language that evolve slowly enough that genetic adaptations to them may arise.

@article{pagel08BBScomments,
  author={Mark Pagel and Quentin D. Atkinson},
  title={The potential for genetic adaptations to language},
  journal={Behavioral and Brain Sciences},
  year={2008},
  volume={31},
  number={5},
  pages={529-530},
  doi={10.1017/S0140525X08005207},
  url={http://www.isrl.uiuc.edu/~amag/langev/paper/pagel08BBScomments.html}
}