Some parallels between language and music from a cognitive and evolutionary perspective

Abstract Parallels between language and music are considered as a useful basis for examining possible evolutionary pathways of these achievements. Such parallels become apparent if we compare clauses and syllables in language with phrases and notes in music: Clauses as well as musical phrases typically span about 2 sec and about 5 to 10 pulses, i.e., syllables or notes. The n of syllables per clause or intonation unit also can be used as a measure of tempo across languages and thus also as a means for a better understanding of typological co-variations in the rhythm of speech and music. A second type of correspondence was found between the size of the sound-relevant inventories, i.e., vowels and musical intervals. In both inventories we encounter a minimum of roughly 3 and a maximum of roughly 12 elements as well as a frequency peak at 5 elements. These parallels are discussed from an evolutionary perspective that either sees music as a precursor of language or both language and music as descendents of a common, "halfmusical" precurso