A hypothesis on a role of oxytocin in the social mechanisms of speech and vocal learning.
Journal Article (Journal Article;Review)
Language acquisition in humans and song learning in songbirds naturally happen as a social learning experience, providing an excellent opportunity to reveal social motivation and reward mechanisms that boost sensorimotor learning. Our knowledge about the molecules and circuits that control these social mechanisms for vocal learning and language is limited. Here we propose a hypothesis of a role for oxytocin (OT) in the social motivation and evolution of vocal learning and language. Building upon existing evidence, we suggest specific neural pathways and mechanisms through which OT might modulate vocal learning circuits in specific developmental stages.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Theofanopoulou, C; Boeckx, C; Jarvis, ED
Published Date
- August 30, 2017
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 284 / 1861
PubMed ID
- 28835557
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC5577482
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1471-2954
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1098/rspb.2017.0988
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- England