Original Signs

by Armstrong, David F.

• ISBN13: 9781563680755
• ISBN10: 1563680750
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-04-01
• Publisher: Gallaudet Univ Pr

Summary

Since Darwin's time, the majority of evolutionary linguists have theorized that language defines human beings and that speech defines language. In Original Signs, David Armstrong disputes the latter concept by showing that language has evolved in many different ways through many different paths, not just speech. The present evidence rests in the known fact that when deaf people sign, they are using a well-formed human language.
Armstrong addresses in turn the various thoughts on language development put forth by the major theorists, including Stephen J. Gould, Steven Pinker, Noam Chomsky, Terrence Deacon, and others, to finely hone his concept of the varied forms in which language developed.

Author Biography

David F. Armstrong is an associate professor in the School of Management and University Budget Director at Gallaudet University.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. ix
Introduction: The Forest of Symbols	p. 1
Where Did Language Come From?	p. 15
The Rage to Order	p. 45
Speech and Sign	p. 65
Words and Sentences	p. 89
Simultaneity and Sequentiality	p. 111
The Morning Star and the Evening Star	p. 133
Forked Tongues	p. 151
Bibliography	p. 173
Index	p. 183
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