The Language Myth

Why Language Is Not an Instinct

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Linguistics
Cover of the book The Language Myth by Vyvyan Evans, Cambridge University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Vyvyan Evans ISBN: 9781316120323
Publisher: Cambridge University Press Publication: September 22, 2014
Imprint: Cambridge University Press Language: English
Author: Vyvyan Evans
ISBN: 9781316120323
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Publication: September 22, 2014
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Language: English

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.

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

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.

More books from Cambridge University Press

Cover of the book New Constitutionalism and World Order by Vyvyan Evans
Cover of the book The Legacy of Dutch Brazil by Vyvyan Evans
Cover of the book Counterfactuals and Causal Inference by Vyvyan Evans
Cover of the book Central Cambridge by Vyvyan Evans
Cover of the book Governance Entrepreneurs by Vyvyan Evans
Cover of the book Corporate Governance and Initial Public Offerings by Vyvyan Evans
Cover of the book Theology without Metaphysics by Vyvyan Evans
Cover of the book Aquinas and the Nicomachean Ethics by Vyvyan Evans
Cover of the book The Geology of Australia by Vyvyan Evans
Cover of the book NGOs and Corporations by Vyvyan Evans
Cover of the book The Venetian Discovery of America by Vyvyan Evans
Cover of the book Trading Fish, Saving Fish by Vyvyan Evans
Cover of the book Chronicles of the Egyptian Revolution and its Aftermath: 2011–2016 by Vyvyan Evans
Cover of the book Luther and the Reformation of the Later Middle Ages by Vyvyan Evans
Cover of the book Agents of Neoliberal Globalization by Vyvyan Evans
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