--- In Nostratica@yahoogroups.com, "Richard Wordingham writes:

> Socially-determined body adornment can include tattoos (or their

lack)

> as well.

Exactly. And in some cultures like the Scythian, tattoos are
considered a mark of prestige. The same with cowboy boots and jeans -
- a definite mark of prestige in Texas and California but not so in
New England.

> I don't understand this statement at all!

Let me try to explain what I mean. In order for a gene(s) to
function properly, it must have the correct environment which
nurtures its full development. A toddler who is born into a "musical
family" needs to have instruments around the house to fully develop
his/her musical ability. Without the necessary instruments, the
natural ability will lie dormant. The same is true for the Language
Gene (FOXP2). Someone born with this gene won't be able to develop
his/her full language potential in a family of "babblers". See:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/10/1004_TVlanguagegene.ht
ml
As well, someone born into a family which doesn't have the FOXP2 will
also end up as an "unintelligable babbler".

Gerry