Nonverbal Vocal Communication: Comparative and Developmental Approaches

by Edited by H. Papousek , U. Jürgens

• ISBN13: 9780521412650
• ISBN10: 052141265X
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1992-05-29
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• More Book Details

Summary

Speech, verbally mediated consciousness, and culture most evidently differentiate people from animals. Moreover, verbal communication has historically been viewed as a human attribute. Yet, the biological precursors to verbal communication exist in animal communication: obvious links have been found between human and animal nonverbal vocal communication. Knowledge of these links contribute to our understanding of three major theoretical and clinical issues: the evolution of vocal communication; the process of speech acquisition during infancy; and the pathways of disorders in communicative development. In Nonverbal Vocal Communication specialists from several disciplines review the present knowledge on neural substrates of vocal communication, on primate vocal communication, and on precursors and prerequisites of human speech. Among other points, the book illustrates that animal vocal signals, particularly in primates, appear to be much more complex than mere expressions of effective states. The nonverbal communication data is complemented by comparative and developmental research of the preverbal period of human vocal communication. Studies of speech acquisition, biological adaptation and environmental support to speech yield a complex picture of interrelations between biogenetic and environmental factors. The new evidence that parents--without knowing--are well-fitted for supporting infant communicative development is astonishing. Their capacities represent a primary, biological model of didactic educational support.

Table of Contents

Part I. Systems of Communication: Introduction and Review U. Jurgens

1. Evolution of Vocal Communication D. Ploog

2. On the Neurobiology of Vocal Communication U. Jurgens

3. Vocal Affect Expression as Symbol, Symptom and Appeal K. R. Scherer

Part II. Noncategorical and Categorical Symbols in Primate Communication: Introduction and Review K. Bard

4. Animal Signals: Motivational, Referential, or Both? P. Marler, Ch. Evans and M. Hauser

5. Noncategorical Vocal Communication in Subhuman Primates: The Example of Common Marmoset Phee Cells J. D. Newman and P. Goedeking

6. Categorical Vocal Signaling in Subhuman Primates M. J. Owren, R. M. Seyfarth and S. L. Hopp

7. Vocal Development in Nonhuman Primates D. Symmens and M. Biben

Part III. Development of Nonverbal Vocal Signals in Humans: Part I. From Cry to Speech Sounds: Introduction and Review R. Eilers

8. No Language But a Cry B. M. Lester and C. Z. Boukydis

9. Development of Vocal Signaling in Human Infants: Toward a Methodology for Cross-Species Comparisons D. K. Oller and R. E. Eilers

10. Disorders of Vocal Signaling in Children H. Amorosa

Part IV. Development of Nonverbal Vocal Signals in Humans: Part II. Interactive Support in Preverbal Dialogues: Introduction and Review R. Eilers

11. Early Ontogeny of Reciprocal Vocal Communication in Precanonical Parent-Infant Interactions M. Papousek

12. Didactic Interactions: Intuitive Parental Support of Vocal and Verbal Development in Human Infants H. Papousek and M. Bornstein

13. Meaningful Melodies in Mothers' Speech to Infants A. Fernald.