On Wed, 14 Aug 2002, Frank Mayhar wrote: > On the Nature website I read today that researchers have begun to understand > a gene which has a pivotal role in human language. > Given that the capability for language is inborn in humans, and in fact > is hardwired in the structures of our brains, how can you say that language > is truly subjective? We are getting close to a truly objective understanding > of the mechanisms that underly language. That would depend. What do you mean by "pivotal"? Exactly what role does the gene play in establishing language? I will agree that certain aspects of language, or perhaps a desire towards language, are innate or hardwired. But I haven't heard any of the evidence of this gene, or what constitutes the notion of getting close to that understanding. If someone HAS that evidence handy, I'll be happy to review it and amend my viewpoint accordingly, if necessary, but until then I continue to hold to my current theories that are based on my experiences to this point. And, on that note, I've said my peace, so except for direct questions/challenges, I'm going to back off the topic and see what everyone else has to say. (Wouldn't want to tie up the list!) ****** NyteMuse "Call her life unnatural, feel her undead breath. Color her black for sorcery, color her gray for death." AIM: NyteMuse139 / ICQ: #21966269 (NyteMuse) MSN: NyteMuse / Yahoo!ID: NyteMuse http://www.crowfire.com