Reflections On Language Evolution

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Reflections On Language Evolution

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Author : Cedric Boeckx
language : en
Publisher: Language Science Press
Release Date : 2021

Reflections On Language Evolution written by Cedric Boeckx and has been published by Language Science Press this book supported file pdf, txt, epub, kindle and other format this book has been release on 2021 with Language Arts & Disciplines categories.

This essay reflects on the fact that as we learn more about the biological underpinnings of our language faculty, the dominant evolutionary narrative coming out of the linguistic tradition most explicitly oriented towards biology ("biolinguistics") appears increasingly implausible. This text offers ways of opening up linguistic inquiry and fostering interdisciplinarity, taking advantage of new opportunities to provide quantitative, testable hypotheses concerning the complex evolutionary path that led to the modern human language faculty. The essay is structured around three main themes: (i) renewed appreciation for the comparative method applied to cognitive questions, leading to the identification of elementary but fundamental abstractions in non-linguistic species relevant to language; (ii) awareness of the conceptual gaps between disciplines, and the need to carefully link genotype and phenotype without bypassing any "intermediate" levels of description (certainly not the brain); and (iii) adoption of a "philosophical" outlook that puts the complexity of biological entities front and center.

Reflections On Language Evolution

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Author : Cedric Boeckx
language : en
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Release Date : 2021-10-18

Reflections On Language Evolution written by Cedric Boeckx and has been published by BoD – Books on Demand this book supported file pdf, txt, epub, kindle and other format this book has been release on 2021-10-18 with Language Arts & Disciplines categories.

This essay reflects on the fact that as we learn more about the biological underpinnings of our language faculty, the dominant evolutionary narrative coming out of the linguistic tradition most explicitly oriented towards biology ("biolinguistics") appears increasingly implausible. This text offers ways of opening up linguistic inquiry and fostering interdisciplinarity, taking advantage of new opportunities to provide quantitative, testable hypotheses concerning the complex evolutionary path that led to the modern human language faculty. The essay is structured around three main themes: (i) renewed appreciation for the comparative method applied to cognitive questions, leading to the identification of elementary but fundamental abstractions in non-linguistic species relevant to language; (ii) awareness of the conceptual gaps between disciplines, and the need to carefully link genotype and phenotype without bypassing any "intermediate" levels of description (certainly not the brain); and(iii) adoption of a "philosophical" outlook that puts the complexity of biological entities front and center.

Why Only Us

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Author : Robert C. Berwick
language : en
Publisher: MIT Press
Release Date : 2016

Why Only Us written by Robert C. Berwick and has been published by MIT Press this book supported file pdf, txt, epub, kindle and other format this book has been release on 2016 with Language Arts & Disciplines categories.

Berwick and Chomsky draw on recent developments in linguistic theory to offer an evolutionary account of language and humans' remarkable, species-specific ability to acquire it. “A loosely connected collection of four essays that will fascinate anyone interested in the extraordinary phenomenon of language.” —New York Review of Books We are born crying, but those cries signal the first stirring of language. Within a year or so, infants master the sound system of their language; a few years after that, they are engaging in conversations. This remarkable, species-specific ability to acquire any human language—“the language faculty”—raises important biological questions about language, including how it has evolved. This book by two distinguished scholars—a computer scientist and a linguist—addresses the enduring question of the evolution of language. Robert Berwick and Noam Chomsky explain that until recently the evolutionary question could not be properly posed, because we did not have a clear idea of how to define “language” and therefore what it was that had evolved. But since the Minimalist Program, developed by Chomsky and others, we know the key ingredients of language and can put together an account of the evolution of human language and what distinguishes us from all other animals. Berwick and Chomsky discuss the biolinguistic perspective on language, which views language as a particular object of the biological world; the computational efficiency of language as a system of thought and understanding; the tension between Darwin's idea of gradual change and our contemporary understanding about evolutionary change and language; and evidence from nonhuman animals, in particular vocal learning in songbirds.

Reflections On The Musical Mind

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Author : Jay Schulkin
language : en
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Release Date : 2013-07-28

Reflections On The Musical Mind written by Jay Schulkin and has been published by Princeton University Press this book supported file pdf, txt, epub, kindle and other format this book has been release on 2013-07-28 with Science categories.

What's so special about music? We experience it internally, yet at the same time it is highly social. Music engages our cognitive/affective and sensory systems. We use music to communicate with one another--and even with other species--the things that we cannot express through language. Music is both ancient and ever evolving. Without music, our world is missing something essential. In Reflections on the Musical Mind, Jay Schulkin offers a social and behavioral neuroscientific explanation of why music matters. His aim is not to provide a grand, unifying theory. Instead, the book guides the reader through the relevant scientific evidence that links neuroscience, music, and meaning. Schulkin considers how music evolved in humans and birds, how music is experienced in relation to aesthetics and mathematics, the role of memory in musical expression, the role of music in child and social development, and the embodied experience of music through dance. He concludes with reflections on music and well-being. Reflections on the Musical Mind is a unique and valuable tour through the current research on the neuroscience of music.

The Evolution Of Human Language

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Author : Wolfgang Wildgen
language : en
Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing
Release Date : 2004-01-01

The Evolution Of Human Language written by Wolfgang Wildgen and has been published by John Benjamins Publishing this book supported file pdf, txt, epub, kindle and other format this book has been release on 2004-01-01 with Psychology categories.

Wolfgang Wildgen presents three perspectives on the evolution of language as a key element in the evolution of mankind in terms of the development of human symbol use. (1) He approaches this question by constructing possible scenarios in which mechanisms necessary for symbolic behavior could have developed, on the basis of the state of the art in evolutionary anthropology and genetics. (2) Non-linguistic symbolic behavior such as cave art is investigated as an important clue to the developmental background to the origin of language. Creativity and innovation and a population's ability to integrate individual experiments are considered with regard to historical examples of symbolic creativity in the visual arts and natural sciences. (3) Probable linguistic 'fossils' of such linguistic innovations are examined. The results of this study allow for new proposals for a 'protolanguage' and for a theory of language within a broader philosophical and semiotic framework, and raises interesting questions as to human consciousness, universal grammar, and linguistic methodology. (Series B)

Language Evolution And Syntactic Theory

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Author : Anna R. Kinsella
language : en
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Release Date : 2009-07-23

Language Evolution And Syntactic Theory written by Anna R. Kinsella and has been published by Cambridge University Press this book supported file pdf, txt, epub, kindle and other format this book has been release on 2009-07-23 with Language Arts & Disciplines categories.

Discusses the relationship between Chomskyan syntactic theory and the evolution of language.

Reflections On Language And Language Learning

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Author : Marcel Bax
language : en
Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing
Release Date : 2001

Reflections On Language And Language Learning written by Marcel Bax and has been published by John Benjamins Publishing this book supported file pdf, txt, epub, kindle and other format this book has been release on 2001 with Language Arts & Disciplines categories.

In Reflections on Language and Language Learning: In honour of Arthur van Essen, thirty-one leading language scholars and educational linguists in the Netherlands and abroad with whom over the years Professor van Essen, one of the grandees of applied linguistics, has collaborated provide original essays and studies which discuss the most recent insights and trends in the fields of linguistics and foreign language teaching. While interdisciplinary in scope, the volume encompasses theoretical advances in (educational) linguistic thinking; for example, the perceptive articles written by Michael Byram, Christopher N. Candlin, Natalia Gvishiani, Peter Jordens, Jan Koster, Leo van Lier, and Bondi Sciarone — as well as a sample of the latest methodological developments in areas such as ELT, LSP, and content-based language teaching; cases in point are the useful contributions by Jeanine Deen & Hilde Hacquebord, Michaël Goethals, Paul Meara & Ignacio Rodríguez Sánchez, Rosamond Mitchell & Christopher Brumfit, and Uta Thürmer.

The Land Of Words A Journey Of Reflections And Emotions

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Author : Pasquale De Marco
language : en
Publisher: Pasquale De Marco
Release Date : 2025-07-17

The Land Of Words A Journey Of Reflections And Emotions written by Pasquale De Marco and has been published by Pasquale De Marco this book supported file pdf, txt, epub, kindle and other format this book has been release on 2025-07-17 with Literary Criticism categories.

In the tapestry of human experience, language is the vibrant thread that weaves together our thoughts, emotions, and aspirations. It is through the written word that we embark on a journey of exploration, discovery, and transformation. "The Land of Words: A Journey of Reflections and Emotions" invites you to delve into the depths of language and literature, unveiling their transformative power to shape our lives and our world. Within these pages, you will find a treasure trove of insights, stories, and perspectives that illuminate the profound impact of the written word on the human experience. From the evocative imagery of poetry to the thought-provoking narratives of fiction, this book delves into the nuances of language, the art of storytelling, and the boundless possibilities of imagination. As you journey through the chapters, you will witness the evolution of language as it mirrors the ever-changing tides of society, capturing the zeitgeist of each era and reflecting the kaleidoscope of human experience. From ancient epics to modern masterpieces, literature holds a mirror to our collective consciousness, revealing the complexities of the human condition and the enduring power of the human spirit. Furthermore, this book celebrates the enduring legacy of literary giants who have left an indelible mark on our world. Their words have the power to transport us to distant lands, introduce us to unforgettable characters, and challenge our preconceived notions, leaving us forever transformed. From the timeless wisdom of Shakespeare to the poignant prose of Hemingway, literature has the ability to heal, inspire, and ignite change. As you immerse yourself in the stories, poems, and essays that populate this book, let your mind wander through the labyrinthine corridors of human experience. Discover the catharsis of finding solace in the written word, the thrill of embarking on literary adventures, and the transformative power of stories to heal, inspire, and ignite change. "The Land of Words: A Journey of Reflections and Emotions" is an invitation to explore the profound interplay between language, literature, and the human spirit. Prepare to be captivated, challenged, and inspired as you delve into the depths of the written word and uncover the myriad ways in which it shapes our lives, our relationships, and our world. If you like this book, write a review!

The Origins Of Language

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Author : Joanna Dornbierer-Stuart
language : en
Publisher: Springer Nature
Release Date : 2024-08-29

The Origins Of Language written by Joanna Dornbierer-Stuart and has been published by Springer Nature this book supported file pdf, txt, epub, kindle and other format this book has been release on 2024-08-29 with Language Arts & Disciplines categories.

This book offers an introduction to the multidisciplinary subject of evolutionary linguistics, which seeks to explain the biological origins of language and its subsequent development in humans. Roughly six million years ago, a branch of hominids from the forests of East Africa started to thrive in the drier environment created by the East African Rift System. A host of physical developments culminated in the brains of early humans increasing dramatically in size and cognitive power. Influenced by a unique and complex social organisation, communication signals became much more diverse and dependent on memory and learning mechanisms. But language is not only used to interact with our fellow beings. It is also closely connected to our thoughts. This makes language a biological, social, cultural and cognitive phenomenon all at once. What precise role did each of these aspects play in the emergence of language and how were they all coordinated to produce the most sophisticated communication system in the animal kingdom? The book aims to answer these questions and open up the fascinating world of evolutionary linguistics. It is not only aimed at scholars of linguistics, but also students from other disciplines (e.g., psychology, anthropology, evolutionary biology and cognitive science) who have an academic interest in language but may be approaching linguistics for the first time. In addition, the book should appeal to anyone with an interest in the workings of language in general, as well as advanced learners of English.

On Language

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Author : Noam Chomsky
language : en
Publisher: The New Press
Release Date : 2017-02-07

On Language written by Noam Chomsky and has been published by The New Press this book supported file pdf, txt, epub, kindle and other format this book has been release on 2017-02-07 with Language Arts & Disciplines categories.

The two most popular titles by the noted linguist and critic in one volume—an ideal introduction to his work. On Language features some of Noam Chomsky’s most informal and highly accessible work. In Part I, Language and Responsibility, Chomsky presents a fascinating self-portrait of his political, moral, and linguistic thinking. In Part II, Reflections on Language, Chomsky explores the more general implications of the study of language and offers incisive analyses of the controversies among psychologists, philosophers, and linguists over fundamental questions of language. “Language and Responsibility is a well-organized, clearly written and comprehensive introduction to Chomsky’s thought.” —The New York Times Book Review “Language and Responsibility brings together in one readable volume Chomsky’s positions on issues ranging from politics and philosophy of science to recent advances in linguistic theory. . . . The clarity of presentation at times approaches that of Bertrand Russell in his political and more popular philosophical essays.” —Contemporary Psychology “Reflections on Language is profoundly satisfying and impressive. It is the clearest and most developed account of the case of universal grammar and of the relations between his theory of language and the innate faculties of mind responsible for language acquisition and use.” —Patrick Flanagan