Routes to Child Language: Evolutionary and Developmental Precursors - Hardcover

Blake, Joanna

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521592992 ISBN 13: 9780521592994

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2000

Synopsis

A remarkable case study based on a detailed comparison of non-human primates and human infants brings together key abilities that provide the foundation for language. This link makes the case for phylogenetic continuity across species and ontogenetic continuity from infancy to childhood. Examined here are the fundamental aspects of language acquisition, such as vocalizations, mapping of meaning on to sound, use of gestures to communicate and to symbolize, tool use, object concept and memory. This volume goes a step further to analyse the similarities and differences across species, and how these influence the evolution of language. The author provides evidence linking abilities associated with language acquisition and describes fascinating hypotheses about the origins of language.

About this title

Review

'Routes to Child Language: Evolutionary and Developmental Precursors is a stunning achievement which surely represents a new paradigm in language acquisition studies. Demonstrating a remarkable breadth and depth of scope, Joanna Blake weaves a unique tapestry from research of nonhuman primate communication, spoken language development, gesture, symbolic play, object concept, tool use, and the study of memory. As we continue to explore the perennial questions of how language began and how children develop language, it will be richly multidisciplinary studies such as Blake's that will contribute the most to our understanding of the complex achievement that is human language.' Sherman Wilcox, University of New Mexico

Book Description

This book examines the degree to which apes pave the way to human language, focusing on abilities thought to be critical for language, such as signalling, communicative gestures, tool use, object concept and memory. A review of data shows how these critical abilities influence child language acquisition.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521592992
• ISBN 13: 9780521592994
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 296