Mirror Neurons, Empathy, Language. A Review on the Evolution of Linguistic Functions

Since the discovery of mirror neurons system (MNS), in the ninetieth of last century, a considerable number of studies – not only proliferated within the neurosciences, but also in cognitive sciences (philosophy, psychology, linguistic, etc.) – has reinvigorated research and debate on the origins of language. In light of these investigations, we ask to what extent reach to push the hypothesis of a possible development process embodied of the verbal language? Or, to what measure the sensory elements, perceptual and motor have been crucial to characterize the auditory-vocal synergy from the continuity with earlier forms of gestural communication? Finally, what role the group played, or the emotional, relation and social context in this complex evolution: in particular, can be considered a connection between empathy and the evolution of linguistic functions? In this paper we will try to prove some answers by referring to the recent scientific literature on the activity of mirror neurons systems. It also aims to trace the biological basis, primarily emotional but also cognitive, of empathy that would be decisive stages in the evolution from the most archaic form of gestural communication have led to the development of verbal language.