An Integrated Generative Biolinguistic Approach to the Design, Development and Evolution of the Human Language Faculty

本研究项目以生成语法的最新发展为基础，对人类语言进行了生物语言学研究，为语言的设计、发展和进化提供了新的见解。(I)设计：已经确定了基本语法计算操作Merge和Search的形式属性，以及它们的神经基础。（二）发展：发现了第一/第二语言习得参数设置与大脑功能之间的相关性。已经阐明了BA44/45在Broca区与Merge相关的选择性功能。（三）进化：基于生物学的哲学考虑和考古证据，提出了语法的运动控制起源理论和人类语言更早出现的理论。本文阐明了包括格和合在内的某些句法现象的文化演化性质及其对外化的影响。

This research project has conducted biolinguistic studies of human language on the basis of the latest development of generative grammar and provided new insights into the Design, Development and Evolution of language.(I) Design: Formal properties of the fundamental syntactic computational operations Merge and Search, together with their neural substrates, have been identified. (II) Development: Correlations between parameter setting in first/second language acquisition and brain functions have been discovered. Selective functions of BA44/45 in Broca's area with respect to Merge have been elucidated. (III) Evolution: On the basis of philosophical considerations of biology and archaeological evidence, a theory of the motor control origin of syntax and a theory of earlier emergence of human language have been proposed. The cultural evolutionary nature of certain syntactic phenomena including Case and agreement has been clarified in relation to their effects on externalization.