History of Language

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts
Cover of the book History of Language by Steven Roger Fischer, Reaktion Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Steven Roger Fischer ISBN: 9781861895943
Publisher: Reaktion Books Publication: October 3, 2004
Imprint: Reaktion Books Language: English
Author: Steven Roger Fischer
ISBN: 9781861895943
Publisher: Reaktion Books
Publication: October 3, 2004
Imprint: Reaktion Books
Language: English

It is tempting to take the tremendous rate of contemporary linguistic change for granted. What is required, in fact, is a radical reinterpretation of what language is. Steven Roger Fischer begins his book with an examination of the modes of communication used by dolphins, birds and primates as the first contexts in which the concept of "language" might be applied. As he charts the history of language from the times of Homo erectus, Neanderthal humans and Homo sapiens through to the nineteenth century, when the science of linguistics was developed, Fischer analyses the emergence of language as a science and its development as a written form. He considers the rise of pidgin, creole, jargon and slang, as well as the effects radio and television, propaganda, advertising and the media are having on language today. Looking to the future, he shows how electronic media will continue to reshape and re-invent the ways in which we communicate.

"[a] delightful and unexpectedly accessible book ... a virtuoso tour of the linguistic world."—The Economist

"... few who read this remarkable study will regard language in quite the same way again."—The Good Book Guide

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

It is tempting to take the tremendous rate of contemporary linguistic change for granted. What is required, in fact, is a radical reinterpretation of what language is. Steven Roger Fischer begins his book with an examination of the modes of communication used by dolphins, birds and primates as the first contexts in which the concept of "language" might be applied. As he charts the history of language from the times of Homo erectus, Neanderthal humans and Homo sapiens through to the nineteenth century, when the science of linguistics was developed, Fischer analyses the emergence of language as a science and its development as a written form. He considers the rise of pidgin, creole, jargon and slang, as well as the effects radio and television, propaganda, advertising and the media are having on language today. Looking to the future, he shows how electronic media will continue to reshape and re-invent the ways in which we communicate.

"[a] delightful and unexpectedly accessible book ... a virtuoso tour of the linguistic world."—The Economist

"... few who read this remarkable study will regard language in quite the same way again."—The Good Book Guide

More books from Reaktion Books

Cover of the book Desert by Steven Roger Fischer
Cover of the book The Fall and Rise of China by Steven Roger Fischer
Cover of the book Arthur Schopenhauer by Steven Roger Fischer
Cover of the book Christmas by Steven Roger Fischer
Cover of the book Five Photons by Steven Roger Fischer
Cover of the book Screen of Kings by Steven Roger Fischer
Cover of the book Greece by Steven Roger Fischer
Cover of the book North Pole by Steven Roger Fischer
Cover of the book The Puzzle of Left-handedness by Steven Roger Fischer
Cover of the book A Philosophy of Loneliness by Steven Roger Fischer
Cover of the book Swallow by Steven Roger Fischer
Cover of the book Gin by Steven Roger Fischer
Cover of the book Cake by Steven Roger Fischer
Cover of the book Vodka by Steven Roger Fischer
Cover of the book Rocks, Ice and Dirty Stones by Steven Roger Fischer
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