The language myth : why language is not an instinct / Vyvyan Evans.

  • Evans, Vyvyan
Date:
2014
  • Books

About this work

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; 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"-- Provided by publisher.

Publication/Creation

Cambridge, United Kingdom ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2014.

Physical description

xi, 304 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm

Bibliographic information

Includes bibliographical references (pages 274-300) and index.

Contents

1. Language and mind rethought -- 2. Is human language unrelated to animal communication systems -- 3. Are there language universals -- 4. Is language innate -- 5. Is language a distinct module in the mind? -- 6. Is there a universal Mentalese? -- 7. Is thought independent of language? -- 8. Language and mind regained.

Languages

Where to find it

  • LocationStatus
    History of Medicine
    PQL /EVA
    Open shelves

Permanent link

Identifiers

ISBN

  • 1107043964
  • 1107619750
  • 9781107043961
  • 9781107619753