Researchers Find Connection Between Lanuage and Tool Making

Image from University of Liverpool

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have found a possible correlation between the evolution of language and the development of complex tools.  Through the use of functional Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound (fTCD), used to measure the language function of patients suffering from brain damage, researchers studied the brain activity of expert stone tool makers (flint knappers) as they simultaneously underwent a language test while producing tools.  While not definitive evidence of a correlation, the results show that the same region of the brain is involved in both tasks.

Charles Darwin theorized about possible connections between the evolution of language and tool-making, both of which involve complex planning and the coordination of actions. This is the first study undertaken to examine a connection between the two. 

Source:  Science Daily, Language and Tool-Making Skills Evolved at the Same Time, September 3, 2013