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Languages less arbitrary than long assumed

A recent study by Mark Dingemanse and colleagues reveals that language is less arbitrary than previously thought. The researchers found that iconicity, where word forms suggest meaning, and systematicity, a statistical relationship between sounds and grammatical usage, complement arbitrariness in vocabulary structure.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateOct 1, 2015

Need something? Talk to my right ear!

Researchers found that people prefer to be addressed in their right ear and are more likely to perform a task when receiving a request there. In noisy night club environments, the side bias was consistently displayed, with 72% of interactions occurring on the right side.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateJun 23, 2009

Chimp and human communication trace to same brain region

Researchers found that chimpanzees activate the same brain region as humans when producing communicative signals, suggesting a shared neural basis for language. The study suggests that this common ancestor may have possessed a 'language-ready brain,' with tremendous plasticity allowing for development of complex communicative signals.

Helping hands

A study by Association for Psychological Science found that pairs can coordinate through haptic interactions, leading to improved performance and development of cooperative strategies. The researchers speculate that this capacity is a fundamental human ability used in various daily activities.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 16, 2006