Letters to the Editor

Readers ponder sign language in ancient humans, looped universe

By Science News Staff

A sign of our past?

Deaf experimental psychologist Rain Bosworth has found that babies have an intrinsic ability to recognize sign language, Meghan Rosen reported in “Primed to sign” (SN: 4/26/24).

Reader Suzanne Lijek wondered if our innate sensitivity to sign language could stem from its use by ancient humans.

Our ancestors probably communicated through both gestures and speech, says cognitive neuroscientist Karen Emmorey of San Diego State University. This could be why all speakers (signers included) gesture, no matter the language, she says. But exactly how language emerged is still a question. Some scientists think spoken language evolved from vocal communications like grunts and alarm calls.

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