Work

A hypothesis on a role of oxytocin in the social mechanisms of speech and vocal learning

Year: 2017

Type: review

Abstract: 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.

Source: Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences

DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2017.0988

Authors: Constantina Theofanopoulou, Cedric Boeckx, Erich D. Jarvis

Institutions: Universitat de Barcelona, Rockefeller University, Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Howard Hughes Medical Institute

Language: English

Topic: Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Generalitat de Catalunya, Fundació Bosch i Gimpera, Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca

Award: G7498401299