Brain systems for learning language predate humans

The origins of humans' ability to learn language may be older than our species itself. New research has found that language may be learned in ancient'general purpose' brain circuits that emerged before humans existed, and can even be found in other animals. It's long been thought that human language relied solely on mechanisms found in our species – but, the new findings now suggest this may not be the case, after all. In addition to the evolutionary implications, experts say the discovery could be used to help improve language learning for those who may have difficulties, including people with dyslexia and stroke-related damage. The origins of humans' ability to learn language may be older than our species itself.