Book

The language myth : why language is not an instinct

Evans, Vyvyan, author

Overview

\"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.

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Subject: Linguistic universals. / Cognitive grammar. / Innateness hypothesis (Linguistics) / Language and languages Philosophy. / Psycholinguistics. / LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Linguistics / General.
• ISBN: 9781107619753, 1107619750, 9781107043961, 1107043964

Item info:

1 item available

1 item total in all locations

Holdings :

Call Number	Copies	Material	Location
P204.E88 2014	1	BOOK	AUTOSTORE