The origin and evolution of human language
Language is all around us. It’s how we tell stories, share knowledge, and build connections. Unlike any other species, humans have developed a system that combines meaning with complex structures, enabling us to generate and express endless new ideas.
But where does this extraordinary ability come from? How did language evolve? Why is it unique to humans? And what does this reveal about us as a species? These are the questions driving my PhD research.
Why study language evolution?
Language is not merely a tool for communication; it is a fundamental characteristic that defines our species. Despite its centrality to human existence, the evolutionary origins of this unique capability remain poorly understood. My research investigates the evolutionary foundations of two core cognitive systems hypothesized to underpin language: one governing meaning and another governing structure.
Understanding this complex phenomenon requires an interdisciplinary perspective. Therefore, my research integrates insights from biology, neuroscience, and theoretical linguistics to investigate how language has originated and changed over the course of human evolution.
My approach
Studying the origin and evolution of language presents unique challenges. Unlike bones or ancient tools, language does not leave any direct fossil evidence behind. And since it would be unethical to conduct experiments that interfere with human language development, our only option is to use alternative methods to gain insight in language’s ontogeny and phylogeny.
By building computational models, I am able to simulate how language could have emerged and evolved. This approach allows me to test existing theories and explore a range of possible scenarios, offering a powerful tool to investigate complex processes that would otherwise remain inaccessible.
To ensure the scientific rigor of my simulation models, I collaborate with linguists and neuroscientists from Japan, Brazil, and the United States. Their expertise in the structural, cognitive, and neurological aspects of language enables me to refine my theoretical ideas and strengthen them with the latest empirical data.
Impact
My work not only offers a new perspective on the origins of human language, but also bridges diverse fields such as evolutionary biology, neuroscience, and linguistics. By integrating these disciplines, I aim to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of our evolutionary history.
Collaborations
Funding
My project (1155225N) is funded by the PhD Fellowship for Fundamental Research from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). This fellowship supports early-career researchers to conduct independent and innovative research over a four-year period. For my research internship at Osaka University, an additional travel grant was awarded (V425225N).
Additionally, my research is partly funded by the Autistic Adults’ Read and Advisory Group (LAVA vzw). LAVA vzw is an autistic-led organisation committed to enriching the societal and scientific debate on autism. They strive to promote a positive and realistic view of autism through research, advice, and participation. I am the proud recipient of their first LAVA Scholarship for autistic researchers.
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