How Language Began (Ebook)
The Story of Humanity’s Greatest Invention
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A revolutionary account of the origins of language from one of the world's best known and most influential linguists
In his groundbreaking new book Daniel Everett seeks answers to questions that have perplexed thinkers from Plato to Chomsky: when and how did language begin? what is it? and what is it for?
Daniel Everett confounds the conventional wisdom that language originated with Homo sapiens 150,000 years ago and that we have a 'language instinct'. Drawing on evidence from a wide range of fields, including linguistics, archaeology, biology, anthropology and neuroscience, he shows that our ancient ancestors, Homo erectus, had the biological and mental equipment for speech one and half million years ago, and that their cultural and technological achievements (including building ocean-going boats) make it overwhelmingly likely they spoke some kind of language.
How Language Began sheds new light on language and culture and what it means to be human and, as always, Daniel Everett spices his account with incident and anecdote. His book is convincing, arresting and entertaining.
How Language Began (Paperback)
The Story of Humanity’s Greatest Invention
Buy from
A revolutionary account of the origins of language from one of the world's best known and most influential linguists
In his groundbreaking new book Daniel Everett seeks answers to questions that have perplexed thinkers from Plato to Chomsky: when and how did language begin? What is it? And what is it for?
Daniel Everett confounds the conventional wisdom that language originated with Homo sapiens 150,000 years ago and that we have a 'language instinct'. Drawing on evidence from a wide range of fields, including linguistics, archaeology, biology, anthropology and neuroscience, he shows that our ancient ancestors, Homo erectus, had the biological and mental equipment for speech one and half million years ago, and that their cultural and technological achievements (including building ocean-going boats) make it overwhelmingly likely they spoke some kind of language.
How Language Began sheds new light on language and culture and what it means to be human and, as always, Daniel Everett spices his account with incident and anecdote. His book is convincing, arresting and entertaining.
Reviews for How Language Began
Edward O. Wilson, University Research Professor Emeritus, Harvard University
Oliver Kamm Times
Harry Ritchie Spectator
Adrian Woolfson Prospect
Kirkus Reviews
Peter Richerson, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California Davis
Praise for Language: The Cultural Tool:
'A book whose importance is almost impossible to overstate.
'
Sunday Times
Guardian
Economist
Tom Wolfe
Praise for Don't Sleep, There are Snakes:
'A worldwide bestseller that finds no competition from linguistic researchers.
'
New Scientist
Sunday Times
Daniel Everett
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