Social Influences on Vocal Development - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521495261 ISBN 13: 9780521495264

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1997

Synopsis

For at least 30 years, there have been close parallels between studies of birdsong development and those of the development of human language. Both song and language require species-specific stimulation at a sensitive period in development and subsequent practice through subsong and plastic song in birds and babbling in infant humans leading to the development of characteristic vocalisations for each species. This book illustrates how social interactions during development can shape vocal learning and extend the sensitive period beyond infancy and how social companions can induce flexibility even into adulthood. Social companions in a wide range of species including birds and humans but also cetaceans and nonhuman primates play important roles in shaping vocal production as well as the comprehension and appropriate usage of vocal communication. This book will be required reading for students and researchers interested in animal and human communication and its development.

About this title

Review

'Snowdon and Hausberger have managed to create a valuable resource for the discussion of both the convergences in the strategies of vocal learning in phylogenetically distinct species and the differences in more closely related species ... an important source for all interested in putting their work in a broader perspective.' Julia Fischer, Animal Behaviour

Book Description

How do children and other young animals learn to communicate? This book shows the importance of social companions in the structure, comprehension and usage of vocal communication in later life, and that vocal development occurs throughout life. It will be required reading for all those interested in animal or human communication.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1997
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521495261
• ISBN 13: 9780521495264
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 362
• Editor: Snowdon Charles T., Hausberger Martine