The Seeds of Speech: Language Origin and Evolution

by Jean Aitchison

• ISBN13: 9780521785716
• ISBN10: 0521785715
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-05-08
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

Human language is a weird communication system: it has more in common with birdsong than with the calls of other primates. Jean Aitchison explores the origins of human language and how it has evolved. She likens the search to a vast prehistoric jigsaw puzzle, in which numerous fragments of evidence must be assembled. Such evidence is pieced together from a mixture of linguistic and nonlinguistic sources such as evolution theory, archaeology, psychology, and anthropology. This is an accessible and wide-ranging introduction to the origins and evolution of human language.

Table of Contents

Foreword to the Canto edition	vii
Preface	xi
Part 1 Puzzles
A natural Curiosity: How did language begin?	3	(13)
A peculiar habit: What is language for?	16	(10)
The bother at Babel: Why do languages differ so much?	26	(12)
Distinct duties: Is language an independent skill?	38	(11)
Part 2 Origin
The family tree: The evolutionary background	49	(16)
A devious mind: The basic requirements	65	(12)
Broken air: Inherited ingredients	77	(16)
Small beginnings: First steps	93	(14)
Part 3 Evolution
The second word: The emergence of rules	107	(16)
The tower of speech: Expansion	123	(12)
Time travelling: Extra attachments	135	(13)
Rebuilding on the high sea: Keeping going	148	(13)
Part 4 Diffusion
The widening circle: Moving outwards	161	(14)
The hidden core: The hunt for universals	175	(12)
The real magician: Ruling the rules	187	(14)
Unweaving the rainbow: Separating the Strands	201	(11)
The endless stair: Post and future	212	(10)
Symbols used in the text	222	(1)
Notes and suggestions for further reading	223	(22)
References	245	(24)
Index	269