This project investigates the nature and origins of language from a novel perspective. We propose that genes implicated in speech and language provide invaluable molecular windows into the neural pathways and cognitive processes that support these most mysterious of human capacities. Our central goals include the following:

• To pinpoint genetic factors that are important for speech and language functions, not only by studying cases of language-related disorders, but also via investigation of individual variation in the general population and of people with exceptional skills.
• To build solid bridges between genes, brains and language through functional analyses of key genomic variants at multiple levels, ranging from cell neurobiology to brain imaging genetics.
• To trace the evolutionary history and worldwide diversity of the crucial genes, and to discover how concepts, methods and knowledge from modern genetics can help understand language emergence and change.

Why is this work important? Childhood developmental syndromes in which language is disrupted, including autism spectrum disorders and specific language impairment, make major impacts on educational, mental and social well-being. Moreover, language abnormalities are also observed in major neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. Defining the genetic pathways can aid diagnosis, help with development of novel interventions and increase our understanding of how neural pathways supporting language may go awry. At a more fundamental level, speech and language are defining features of the human condition, core aspects of our species. Yet, we still know very little about how the genome is able to build a language-ready brain, nor why even our closest primate cousins appear unable to match human capabilities in this area.

Our research uses cutting-edge molecular technologies and state-of-the-art analytic methods. It is primarily led by our Language and Genetics Department, but relies on close-knit multidisciplinary interactions with the other expert groups of the MPI, leading researchers at the Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour and the Human Genetics Department of Radboud University, and networks of international collaborators. You can find more information using the links to our subprojects on the left side of this page.

Project Co-ordinator: Simon E. Fisher