| The Language Myth: Why Language Is Not an Instinct Contributor(s): Evans, Vyvyan (Author) |
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ISBN: 1107619750 ISBN-13: 9781107619753 Publisher: Cambridge University Press OUR PRICE: $31.34 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: September 2014 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Language Arts & Disciplines | Linguistics - General |
| Dewey: 401 |
| LCCN: 2014014932 |
| Physical Information: 0.8" H x 5.4" W x 8.4" (0.80 lbs) 314 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Language is central to our lives, the cultural tool that arguably sets us apart from other species. Some scientists have argued that language is innate, a type of unique human 'instinct' pre-programmed in us from birth. In this book, Vyvyan Evans argues that this received wisdom is, in fact, a myth. Debunking the notion of a language 'instinct', Evans demonstrates that language is related to other animal forms of communication; that languages exhibit staggering diversity; that we learn our mother tongue drawing on general properties and abilities of the human mind, rather than an inborn 'universal' grammar; that language is not autonomous but is closely related to other aspects of our mental lives; and that, ultimately, language and the mind reflect and draw upon the way we interact with others in the world. Compellingly written and drawing on cutting-edge research, The Language Myth sets out a forceful alternative to the received wisdom, showing how language and the mind really work. |
Contributor Bio(s): Evans, Vyvyan: - Vyv Evans is Professor of Linguistics in the School of Linguistics and English Language at Bangor University. |