LINGUIST List 17.1361

Wed May 03 2006

Books: Cognitive Science/ Historical Ling: Johansson

Editor for this issue: Maria Moreno-Rollins <marialinguistlist.org>

Directory         1.    Paul Peranteau, Origins of Language: Johansson
Message 1: Origins of Language: Johansson
Date: 18-Apr-2006
From: Paul Peranteau <paulbenjamins.com>
Subject: Origins of Language: Johansson


Title: Origins of Language Subtitle: Constraints on hypotheses Series Title: Converging Evidence in Language and Communication Research 5 Published: 2006 Publisher: John Benjamins
                http://www.benjamins.com/

Book URL: http://www.benjamins.com/cgi-bin/t_bookview.cgi?bookid=CELCR%205

Author: Sverker Johansson, University of Jönköping Hardback: ISBN: 1588116298 Pages: 346 Price: U.S. $ 114.00
Hardback: ISBN: 902723891X Pages: 346 Price: Europe EURO 95.00
Paperback: ISBN: 9027238936 Pages: 346 Price: Europe EURO 38.00
Paperback: ISBN: 9027238936 Pages: 346 Price: U.S. $ 45.95
Abstract:

Sverker Johansson has written an unusual book on language origins, with itsemphasis on empirical evidence rather than theory-building. This is a bookfor the student or researcher who prefers solid data and well-supportedconclusions, over speculative scenarios. Much that has been written on theorigins of language is characterized by hypothesizing largely unconstrainedby evidence. But empirical data do exist, and the purpose of this book isto integrate and review the available evidence from all relevantdisciplines, not only linguistics but also, e.g., neurology, primatology,paleoanthropology, and evolutionary biology. The evidence is then used toconstrain the multitude of scenarios for language origins, demonstratingthat many popular hypotheses are untenable. Among the issues covered: (1)Human evolutionary history, (2) Anatomical prerequisites for language, (3)Animal communication and ape "language", (4) Mind and language, (5) Therole of gesture, (6) Innateness, (7) Selective advantage of language, (8)Proto-language.

Table of contents

Preface x1. Introduction 12. What is language? 53. The theory of evolution 134. Human origins and evolution 415. Anatomical and neurological prerequisites 776. Animal communication in the wild 1197. Can nonhumans be taught language? 1298. Language, mind, and self 1439. Hypotheses of language origins 15710. Why did language evolve? 19311. Protolanguage12. Conclusions 243References 248Index 331

"Sverker Johansson offers us an impressive review of current theories onthe origins of language, one of the most stimulating scientific debates ofthe nascent century. The book is clear, clever, exhaustive, and has therare quality of being faithful to all the theories it describes. It isessential readings for all those who want to be part of the fascinatingadventure of understanding the origins of humanity. This is a referencebook, not only for students, but also for researchers in the field, and Iwill be digging frequently into this mine of knowledge."Jean-Louis Dessalles, ParisTech ENST

"Johansson's review of the existing theories of language evolution isexcellent and provides a good introduction to the field. Even though hedoes not formulate a theory of his own, I find the constraints on theoriesof language evolution that he formulates very clear-headed and they shouldcertainly serve as benchmarks for any researcher in the area."Peter Gärdenfors, Professor of Cognitive Science, Lund University, Sweden

"In total it is a valuable review - currently the most complete in itsbreadth and balance of any yet published - and I would consider using it inan upperdivision course."Terence Deacon

Linguistic Field(s): Cognitive Science                             Historical Linguistics                             Philosophy of Language
Written In: English (eng )

See this book announcement on our website: http://linguistlist.org/get-book.html?BookID=19162


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