Origins of Language

A Slim Guide

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Linguistics, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science
Cover of the book Origins of Language by James R. Hurford, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: James R. Hurford ISBN: 9780191009662
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: March 6, 2014
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: James R. Hurford
ISBN: 9780191009662
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: March 6, 2014
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

Origins of Language: A Slim Guide offers a concise and accessible overview of what is known about the evolution of the human capacity for language. Non-human animals communicate in simple ways: they may be able to form simple concepts, to feel some limited empathy for others, to cooperate to some extent, and to engage in mind-reading. Human language, however, is characterized by its ability to efficiently express a wide range of subtle and complex meanings. After the first simple beginnings, human language underwent an explosion of complexity, leading to the very complicated systems of grammar and pronunciation found in modern languages. Jim Hurford looks at the very varied aspects of this evolution, covering human prehistory; the relation between instinct and learning; biology and culture; trust, altruism, and cooperation; animal thought; human and non-human vocal anatomy; the meanings and forms of the first words; and the growth of complex systems of grammar and pronunciation. Written by an internationally recognized expert in the field, it draws on a number of disciplines besides linguistics, including philosophy, neuroscience, genetics, and animal behaviour, and will appeal to a wide range of readers interested in language origins and evolution.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Origins of Language: A Slim Guide offers a concise and accessible overview of what is known about the evolution of the human capacity for language. Non-human animals communicate in simple ways: they may be able to form simple concepts, to feel some limited empathy for others, to cooperate to some extent, and to engage in mind-reading. Human language, however, is characterized by its ability to efficiently express a wide range of subtle and complex meanings. After the first simple beginnings, human language underwent an explosion of complexity, leading to the very complicated systems of grammar and pronunciation found in modern languages. Jim Hurford looks at the very varied aspects of this evolution, covering human prehistory; the relation between instinct and learning; biology and culture; trust, altruism, and cooperation; animal thought; human and non-human vocal anatomy; the meanings and forms of the first words; and the growth of complex systems of grammar and pronunciation. Written by an internationally recognized expert in the field, it draws on a number of disciplines besides linguistics, including philosophy, neuroscience, genetics, and animal behaviour, and will appeal to a wide range of readers interested in language origins and evolution.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book Head Injury by James R. Hurford
Cover of the book A Dictionary of Statistics 3e by James R. Hurford
Cover of the book Trusting Enemies by James R. Hurford
Cover of the book EU Competition Law and Economics by James R. Hurford
Cover of the book Oxford Handbook of Operative Surgery by James R. Hurford
Cover of the book Algeria by James R. Hurford
Cover of the book Keynes: A Very Short Introduction by James R. Hurford
Cover of the book The Highest Good in Aristotle and Kant by James R. Hurford
Cover of the book How Persistent Low Returns Will Shape Saving and Retirement by James R. Hurford
Cover of the book The Reformation: A Very Short Introduction by James R. Hurford
Cover of the book The Governance Report 2018 by James R. Hurford
Cover of the book The Crisis of Method in Contemporary Analytic Philosophy by James R. Hurford
Cover of the book Making Money by James R. Hurford
Cover of the book Agamemnon in Performance 458 BC to AD 2004 by James R. Hurford
Cover of the book The Elements of Murder: A History of Poison by James R. Hurford
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy