Research article summary (published 12 Feb 2006):

Cortical memory mechanisms and language origins.

Full Abstract

We have previously proposed that cortical auditory-vocal networks of the monkey brain can be partly homologized with language networks that participate in the phonological loop. In this paper, we suggest that other linguistic phenomena like semantic and syntactic processing also rely on the activation of transient memory networks, which can be compared to active memory networks in the primate. Consequently, short-term cortical memory ensembles that participate in language processing can be phylogenetically tracked to more simple networks present in the primate brain, which became increasingly complex in hominid evolution. This perspective is discussed in the context of two current interpretations of language origins, the "mirror-system hypothesis" and generativist grammar.

Author information

Author/s: Aboitiz, Francisco (F); García, Ricardo R (RR); Bosman, Conrado (C); Brunetti, Enzo (E);

Affiliation: Depto. Psiquiatría, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Casilla 114-D Santiago 1, Chile. faboitiz(-atsign-)puc.cl

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: Brain and language (Brain Lang), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Jul; vol 98 (issue 1) : pp 40-56

Dates: Created 2006/05/29; Completed 2008/01/31;

PMID: 16481035, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Animals Auditory Cortex - physiology Brain - physiology Gestures Haplorhini - physiology Humans Language Language Development

Learning Linguistics Memory, Short-Term - physiology Models, Neurological Nerve Net - physiology Sign Language Temporal Lobe - physiology Vocalization, Animal - physiology

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