Vyvyan Evans

Language Myth (eBook, ePUB)

Why Language Is Not an Instinct

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

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.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: Cambridge University Press
• Erscheinungstermin: 22. September 2014
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 9781316120323
• Artikelnr.: 49267999

Autorenporträt

Vyvyan Evans is a native of Chester, England. He holds a PhD in linguistics from Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., and is a Professor of Linguistics. He has published numerous acclaimed popular science and technical books on language and linguistics. His popular science essays and articles have appeared in numerous venues including 'The Guardian', 'Psychology Today', 'New York Post', 'New Scientist', 'Newsweek' and 'The New Republic'. His award-winning writing focuses, in one way or another, on the nature of language and mind, the impact of technology on language, and the future of communication. His science fiction work explores the status of language and digital communication technology as potential weapons of mass destruction. For further biographical details visit his official website: www.vyvevans.net. For details of his science fiction writing, visit the Songs of the Sage book series website: www.songs-of-the-sage.com.

Inhaltsangabe

Acknowledgements
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.