LINGUIST List 12.2006

Thu Aug 9 2001

Books: Biolinguistics

Editor for this issue: Naomi Ogasawara <naomilinguistlist.org>

Directory

1. Joyce Reid, Biolinguistics: Exploring the Biology of Language by Lyle Jenkins

Biolinguistics
Exploring the Biology of Language
Lyle Jenkins
Biolinguistics Institute, Cambridge, MA

Now in Paperback...

This book investigates the nature of human language and its importance
for the study of the mind. It asks what language is from a biological
point of view and what the relative contribution of nature and nurture
is when a child learns his or her language. Finally it asks how human
language evolved and considers the similarities and differences
between human language and animal communication systems. Uniquely, it
argues that genetic or biological endowment plays a more central role
in the acquisition of language than instruction, learning, or cultural
determinants.

Contents:

Introduction; 1. The unification problem; 2. Knowledge and use of
language; 3. Acquisition (growth) of language; 4. Mechanisms of
language; 5. Evolution of language; 6. Conclusion.

2001/278 pp.
0-521-00391-1/Pb/List: $22.95