The Language Myth: Why Language Is Not an Instinct

ISBN-13: 9781107043961 / Angielski / Twarda / 2014 / 318 str.

Vyvyan Evans

Opis

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.

Recenzje

'Although it deals with complex issues, this book will be easily understood by lay readers. Linguists will also benefit from reading this well-researched interdisciplinary book. This book, or chapters from it, can be used as supplementary material in linguistics classes as it presents clear discussions of interesting topics such as the commonalities and differences between human and animal communication systems, linguistic relativity, the colour term controversy, the questions of innateness and modularity and what they would entails, and of course the functioning of the brain and how it is related to communicative behaviour.' Randy J. LaPolla, Studies in Language

Spis treści

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.