What Pinnipeds Have to Say about Human Speech, Music, and the Evolution of Rhythm

Andrea Ravignani; W Tecumseh Fitch; Frederike D Hanke; Tamara Heinrich; Bettina Hurgitsch; Sonja A Kotz; Constance Scharff; Angela S Stoeger; Bart de Boer

doi:10.3389/fnins.2016.00274

What Pinnipeds Have to Say about Human Speech, Music, and the Evolution of Rhythm

Andrea Ravignani^*, W Tecumseh Fitch, Frederike D Hanke, Tamara Heinrich, Bettina Hurgitsch, Sonja A Kotz, Constance Scharff, Angela S Stoeger, Bart de Boer

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review

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Abstract

Research on the evolution of human speech and music benefits from hypotheses and data generated in a number of disciplines. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the high relevance of pinniped research for the study of speech, musical rhythm, and their origins, bridging and complementing current research on primates and birds. We briefly discuss speech, vocal learning, and rhythm from an evolutionary and comparative perspective. We review the current state of the art on pinniped communication and behavior relevant to the evolution of human speech and music, showing interesting parallels to hypotheses on rhythmic behavior in early hominids. We suggest future research directions in terms of species to test and empirical data needed.

Original language	English
Article number	274
Number of pages	9
Journal	Frontiers in Neuroscience
Volume	10
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2016.00274
Publication status	Published - 20 Jun 2016

Keywords

evolution of speech
evolution of music
evolution of language
vocal learning
entrainment
timing
synchronization
seal
MALE HARBOR SEALS
LION ZALOPHUS-CALIFORNIANUS
PHOCA-VITULINA
WILD CHIMPANZEES
NONHUMAN ANIMALS
SOUND PRODUCTION
VOCAL MIMICRY
BEAT
PERCEPTION
PATTERNS

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Cite this

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abstract = "Research on the evolution of human speech and music benefits from hypotheses and data generated in a number of disciplines. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the high relevance of pinniped research for the study of speech, musical rhythm, and their origins, bridging and complementing current research on primates and birds. We briefly discuss speech, vocal learning, and rhythm from an evolutionary and comparative perspective. We review the current state of the art on pinniped communication and behavior relevant to the evolution of human speech and music, showing interesting parallels to hypotheses on rhythmic behavior in early hominids. We suggest future research directions in terms of species to test and empirical data needed.",

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AU - Stoeger, Angela S

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