ISLE - Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution

Language is what sets humans apart from all other species, and is the secret of our success. Its evolutionary origins, however, have stubbornly resisted explanation despite long-term efforts in animal communication and human language.

However, most of this work was undertaken in isolation in the specific fields, and a diverse group of scientists in Zurich is convinced that close collaboration across disciplines is the key to solving this puzzle.

It is the mission of the newly established Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution (ISLE) to develop and test hypotheses to understand both the transition from animal communication systems to human language and the dynamics of language change.

We aim to bring the full force of each discipline, its theories and methods, to bear on fundamental questions relating to the phylogeny, ontogeny, mechanisms and dynamics (cultural evolution and variability) of language and animal communication. One of our first tasks will be to identify the key questions and develop shared concepts.