Vocal Learning and Behaviors in Birds and Human Bilinguals: Parallels, Divergences and Directions for Research
Comparisons between the communication systems of humans and animals are instrumental in contextualizing speech and language into an evolutionary and biological framework and for illuminating mechanisms of human communication. As a complement to previous work that compares developmental vocal learnin...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2021-12-01
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2226-471X/7/1/5 |
| _version_ | 1797446162880397312 |
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| author | Jon T. Sakata David Birdsong |
| author_facet | Jon T. Sakata David Birdsong |
| author_sort | Jon T. Sakata |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Comparisons between the communication systems of humans and animals are instrumental in contextualizing speech and language into an evolutionary and biological framework and for illuminating mechanisms of human communication. As a complement to previous work that compares developmental vocal learning and use among humans and songbirds, in this article we highlight phenomena associated with vocal learning subsequent to the development of primary vocalizations (i.e., the primary language (L1) in humans and the primary song (S1) in songbirds). By framing avian “second-song” (S2) learning and use within the human second-language (L2) context, we lay the groundwork for a scientifically-rich dialogue between disciplines. We begin by summarizing basic birdsong research, focusing on how songs are learned and on constraints on learning. We then consider commonalities in vocal learning across humans and birds, in particular the timing and neural mechanisms of learning, variability of input, and variability of outcomes. For S2 and L2 learning outcomes, we address the respective roles of age, entrenchment, and social interactions. We proceed to orient current and future birdsong inquiry around foundational features of human bilingualism: L1 effects on the L2, L1 attrition, and L1<–>L2 switching. Throughout, we highlight characteristics that are shared across species as well as the need for caution in interpreting birdsong research. Thus, from multiple instructive perspectives, our interdisciplinary dialogue sheds light on biological and experiential principles of L2 acquisition that are informed by birdsong research, and leverages well-studied characteristics of bilingualism in order to clarify, contextualize, and further explore S2 learning and use in songbirds. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-09T13:36:16Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-a8a3dbfd155547d6a1e38e6efa57c9b0 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2226-471X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-09T13:36:16Z |
| publishDate | 2021-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Languages |
| spelling | doaj.art-a8a3dbfd155547d6a1e38e6efa57c9b02023-11-30T21:12:10ZengMDPI AGLanguages2226-471X2021-12-0171510.3390/languages7010005Vocal Learning and Behaviors in Birds and Human Bilinguals: Parallels, Divergences and Directions for ResearchJon T. Sakata0David Birdsong1Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1B1, CanadaDepartment of French and Italian, College of Liberal Arts, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USAComparisons between the communication systems of humans and animals are instrumental in contextualizing speech and language into an evolutionary and biological framework and for illuminating mechanisms of human communication. As a complement to previous work that compares developmental vocal learning and use among humans and songbirds, in this article we highlight phenomena associated with vocal learning subsequent to the development of primary vocalizations (i.e., the primary language (L1) in humans and the primary song (S1) in songbirds). By framing avian “second-song” (S2) learning and use within the human second-language (L2) context, we lay the groundwork for a scientifically-rich dialogue between disciplines. We begin by summarizing basic birdsong research, focusing on how songs are learned and on constraints on learning. We then consider commonalities in vocal learning across humans and birds, in particular the timing and neural mechanisms of learning, variability of input, and variability of outcomes. For S2 and L2 learning outcomes, we address the respective roles of age, entrenchment, and social interactions. We proceed to orient current and future birdsong inquiry around foundational features of human bilingualism: L1 effects on the L2, L1 attrition, and L1<–>L2 switching. Throughout, we highlight characteristics that are shared across species as well as the need for caution in interpreting birdsong research. Thus, from multiple instructive perspectives, our interdisciplinary dialogue sheds light on biological and experiential principles of L2 acquisition that are informed by birdsong research, and leverages well-studied characteristics of bilingualism in order to clarify, contextualize, and further explore S2 learning and use in songbirds.https://www.mdpi.com/2226-471X/7/1/5birdsongvocal learningvocal performancespeechsecond language acquisitionbilingualism |
| spellingShingle | Jon T. Sakata David Birdsong Vocal Learning and Behaviors in Birds and Human Bilinguals: Parallels, Divergences and Directions for Research Languages birdsong vocal learning vocal performance speech second language acquisition bilingualism |
| title | Vocal Learning and Behaviors in Birds and Human Bilinguals: Parallels, Divergences and Directions for Research |
| title_full | Vocal Learning and Behaviors in Birds and Human Bilinguals: Parallels, Divergences and Directions for Research |
| title_fullStr | Vocal Learning and Behaviors in Birds and Human Bilinguals: Parallels, Divergences and Directions for Research |
| title_full_unstemmed | Vocal Learning and Behaviors in Birds and Human Bilinguals: Parallels, Divergences and Directions for Research |
| title_short | Vocal Learning and Behaviors in Birds and Human Bilinguals: Parallels, Divergences and Directions for Research |
| title_sort | vocal learning and behaviors in birds and human bilinguals parallels divergences and directions for research |
| topic | birdsong vocal learning vocal performance speech second language acquisition bilingualism |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2226-471X/7/1/5 |
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