Prehistoric action grammar 
Diagnosing knapping skill 
Understanding action recognition 
Action learning in macaques 
Neuroimaging of human tool use 
Vocal tract reconstructions 
Neanderthal speech modelling 
Primate cranial nerves Work package 1: Prehistoric action grammar
Evidence for complex motor sequencing in pre-human hominins
Dr James Steele, Institute of Archaeology, University College London 
Dr Dietrich Stout, Institute of Archaeology, University College London
Start: 01/ 10/2006 End: 30/09/2009
Objective
To develop a new explanatory framework for inferring hominin cognitive functioning from archaeological and paleontological evidence.
Activities
(1) Two empirical studies will be carried out to contextualise fossil and archaeological evidence of language evolution. One study will focus on variability in hominoid hyoid bone dimensions, and the other will focus on asymmetry in Palaeolithic stone tools deriving from handed use-wear.
(2) An international workshop will be held in Year Three to assess current research in archaeology and palaeoanthropology on sequencing models of tool production and use, and on the paleontology of speech. This will include a review of the evolutionary significance of human cognitive laterality and handedness.
Related publications
M Clegg and J Steele (submitted) 'Comparative morphology of the hominin and African ape hyoid bone.'
N. Uomini & J. Steele (submitted) 'Neuroarchaeology of handedness.'