Functionally referential signals: a promising paradigm whose time has passed.

摘要: Finding the evolutionary origins of human language in communication systems our closest living relatives has, for last several decades, been a major goal many field animal generally and primate specifically. 1‐4 The so-called ‘‘functionally referential’’ signals have long considered promising this regard, with apparent parallels semantic that characterizes language. once-prominent idea functionally referential are word-like, they arbitrary sounds refer to phenomena external caller, has largely abandoned. 5 However, these may offer strongest link between remains widespread, primarily due fact behavior receivers indicates such enable them make very specific inferences about their physical or social environment. Here we review concept functional reference discuss modern perspectives indicate that, although sophistication provides some continuity nonhuman cognition, is not unique signals. In fact, because are, by definition, produced only contexts, less dependent on integration contextual cues signal features determine an appropriate response. processing therefore likely entail simpler cognitive operations than does context-specific While studies important highlighting relatively sophisticated processes underlie receiver behavior, believe continued focus calls detracts from potentially more complex underlying responses unspecific calls. sense, argue reference, while historically field, outlived its usefulness become red herring pursuit links