Signs of the Origin of Syntax

A gestural theory for the origin of syntax is advanced. The proposal recognizes both visible & vocal gestures as playing a role in the evolution of syntax but focuses on the role of visible gestures. Several plausible scenarios for the development of language/syntax from nonvocal behaviors are considered. The question of how, if natural signed languages may have been the earliest hominid forms of communication, vocal language came later to dominate is considered. Comments on these proposals are offered that generally support the plausibility of a nonvocal origin of language. Some additional suggestions are offered & empirical data from chimpanzee language studies & from language impairment studies that support the theory are provided. Commentaries are given by Ben G. Blount, Catherine A. Callaghan, Michael C. Corballis, Gordon W. Hewes, Adam Kendon, Philip Lieberman, Sue Taylor Parker, & Ron Wallace; Armstrong, Stokoe, & Wilcox briefly reply to some of these comments. 142 References. B. Annesser Murray