PDF versions of presentations
session_1_slides.pdf | |
File Size: | 2461 kb |
File Type: |
session_2_slides.pdf | |
File Size: | 1555 kb |
File Type: |
session_3_slides.pdf | |
File Size: | 2579 kb |
File Type: |
session_4_slides.pdf | |
File Size: | 1331 kb |
File Type: |
Programme
Saturday 29 June
10.00 Session 1- The molecular basis of life (Sarah Graham)
This talk will introduce the principles of molecular biology as a foundation for understanding the relationship between language and genetics.
The 3 billion 'letters' of DNA that make up the human genome are the essential instructions to build a human being and influence many of our characteristics, including our cognitive abilities. But there is no simple, direct connection between our genes and our outward characteristics. Rather, DNA is an encrypted form of information that provides the instructions to make proteins: the complex and diverse molecules that perform the majority of functions in our cells. Huge numbers of cells must then communicate and work together to make an organ like the brain. This multi-layered system means that the influence of our genome on our cognitive abilities, and the patterns in which such characteristics are passed on from parents to children, can only be understood by tracing the connections between DNA, proteins, brain cells and cellular networks.
Followed by discussion chaired by Robert Daland
11.15 Break
11.45 Session 2 - Searching for 'language genes' (Dan Dediu)
This talk will introduce the approaches that can be used to identify specific genes relevant to language, and summarize the findings from such approaches regarding genes involved in language disorders. The capacity for language is likely to depend on a large number of genes working together, and variations in any one of these genes might exert a small effect on an individual's language capabilities. Identifying genes with small effects is challenging, requiring large sample sizes, sophisticated genetic analysis methods, and effective measures of language processing(behavioural or neurological). The majority of the genes which influence linguistic abilities remain to be discovered, but a small number of genetic variants have been implicated in language disorders and provide starting points for further investigations.
Followed by discussion chaired by Joe Pater
1.00 Lunch
2.00 Session 3 - FoxP2: a rare monogenic speech and language disorder (Sonja Vernes)
This talk will describe how a rare speech and language disorder was found to result from a mutation in the gene FoxP2, and outline the progress made during the last decade in uncovering the role of this gene in brain development. The speech and language disorder resulting from FoxP2 mutation is unusual in that is is caused by a mutation in one single gene, and the presence of the disorder in a large family made it possible to identify the gene responsible. Once the causal mutation had been identified, its effect was studied using a range of strategies from molecular studies of protein function, through cell and animal models to human brain imaging. Ongoing research is using FoxP2 as a gateway into the wider genetic landscape underlying language.
Followed by discussion chaired by Matt Goldrick
3.15 Break
3.45 Session 4 - Genes, language, culture and evolution (Dan Dediu)
This talk will consider how genetic changes that occurred in the human lineage gave rise to and shaped language, and how the study of genetic, linguistic and cultural diversity in modern human populations represent complementary approaches to reconstructing their histories.
Followed by discussion chaired by Jennifer Culbertson
5.00 Closing remarks
Sunday 30 June
10.00 Discussion session 1 - The evolution of language
Is it plausible that a single genetic change could have triggered the evolution of language? How might genetic and cultural factors have combined to promote the development of language?
11.15 Break
11.30 Discussion session 2 - From disorder to normal variation
Is research into the genetics of language disorders really relevant to the neural basis of language in general? Can genetic differences between individuals explain the variability in linguistic abilities, or are educational, cultural and other factors more important?
12.45 Lunch
1.30 Discussion session 3 - What can genetics do for linguistics?
What are the burning questions in linguistics where genetic research has something to contribute? How can life scientists and linguistics researchers develop fruitful collaborations?
2.45 Closing remarks
10.00 Session 1- The molecular basis of life (Sarah Graham)
This talk will introduce the principles of molecular biology as a foundation for understanding the relationship between language and genetics.
The 3 billion 'letters' of DNA that make up the human genome are the essential instructions to build a human being and influence many of our characteristics, including our cognitive abilities. But there is no simple, direct connection between our genes and our outward characteristics. Rather, DNA is an encrypted form of information that provides the instructions to make proteins: the complex and diverse molecules that perform the majority of functions in our cells. Huge numbers of cells must then communicate and work together to make an organ like the brain. This multi-layered system means that the influence of our genome on our cognitive abilities, and the patterns in which such characteristics are passed on from parents to children, can only be understood by tracing the connections between DNA, proteins, brain cells and cellular networks.
Followed by discussion chaired by Robert Daland
11.15 Break
11.45 Session 2 - Searching for 'language genes' (Dan Dediu)
This talk will introduce the approaches that can be used to identify specific genes relevant to language, and summarize the findings from such approaches regarding genes involved in language disorders. The capacity for language is likely to depend on a large number of genes working together, and variations in any one of these genes might exert a small effect on an individual's language capabilities. Identifying genes with small effects is challenging, requiring large sample sizes, sophisticated genetic analysis methods, and effective measures of language processing(behavioural or neurological). The majority of the genes which influence linguistic abilities remain to be discovered, but a small number of genetic variants have been implicated in language disorders and provide starting points for further investigations.
Followed by discussion chaired by Joe Pater
1.00 Lunch
2.00 Session 3 - FoxP2: a rare monogenic speech and language disorder (Sonja Vernes)
This talk will describe how a rare speech and language disorder was found to result from a mutation in the gene FoxP2, and outline the progress made during the last decade in uncovering the role of this gene in brain development. The speech and language disorder resulting from FoxP2 mutation is unusual in that is is caused by a mutation in one single gene, and the presence of the disorder in a large family made it possible to identify the gene responsible. Once the causal mutation had been identified, its effect was studied using a range of strategies from molecular studies of protein function, through cell and animal models to human brain imaging. Ongoing research is using FoxP2 as a gateway into the wider genetic landscape underlying language.
Followed by discussion chaired by Matt Goldrick
3.15 Break
3.45 Session 4 - Genes, language, culture and evolution (Dan Dediu)
This talk will consider how genetic changes that occurred in the human lineage gave rise to and shaped language, and how the study of genetic, linguistic and cultural diversity in modern human populations represent complementary approaches to reconstructing their histories.
Followed by discussion chaired by Jennifer Culbertson
5.00 Closing remarks
Sunday 30 June
10.00 Discussion session 1 - The evolution of language
Is it plausible that a single genetic change could have triggered the evolution of language? How might genetic and cultural factors have combined to promote the development of language?
11.15 Break
11.30 Discussion session 2 - From disorder to normal variation
Is research into the genetics of language disorders really relevant to the neural basis of language in general? Can genetic differences between individuals explain the variability in linguistic abilities, or are educational, cultural and other factors more important?
12.45 Lunch
1.30 Discussion session 3 - What can genetics do for linguistics?
What are the burning questions in linguistics where genetic research has something to contribute? How can life scientists and linguistics researchers develop fruitful collaborations?
2.45 Closing remarks