Synopsis
Discover how language began and grew across humans and other species. This concise, peer‑reviewed volume gathers interdisciplinary work on the origin and diversification of language, drawing on biology, archaeology, psychology, and linguistics to map a complex story.
The book captures a moment when researchers from many fields join forces to explore what language is, how it develops, and why it matters for our species. It balances evidence from the fossil record with insights into brain function, animal communication, and the cultural shifts that accompany language growth.
- How animal sounds, gestures, and scents relate to human language and meaning
- Archaeological evidence for the rise of symbolic behavior and communicative systems
- Discussions of early human language capacity, brain organization, and evolutionary context
- Debates on whether complex syntax and symbolic use appeared with modern populations
Ideal for students and general readers curious about how language originated, evolved, and diversified across time and species.
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About the Author
Nina G. Jablonski is Irvine Chair of Anthropology and Chair of the Department of Anthropology at the California Academy of Sciences. Leslie C. Aiello is Professor of Biological Anthropology at University College, London.
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The Origin and Diversification of Language (Classic Reprint)
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Paperback. Condition: New. Print on Demand. This book explores the fascinating origins of human language, delving into the complex relationship between animal communication and the uniquely human ability to speak and understand language. Challenging the common view that animal sounds are merely emotional displays, the author examines compelling evidence suggesting that some animal calls function as symbols, referencing specific objects or events in their environment. The author further investigates the question of intentionality in animal communication, analyzing whether animals actively choose to communicate with others or simply react instinctively. Through detailed studies of birdsong, the book explores the remarkable ability of some species to combine learned sounds into elaborate sequences, demonstrating a level of phonological syntax that parallels human speech. However, the author argues that these animal vocalizations are primarily affective, lacking the symbolic reference and complex syntax that characterize human language. The book delves into the transformative period in early human evolution when our ancestors moved from a forested environment to a more open landscape, suggesting that this lifestyle shift played a crucial role in the development of human language. This fascinating exploration reveals that the foundations of human language are deeply rooted in our evolutionary history, highlighting the complex interplay of biological adaptation, social behavior, and cognitive development that ultimately led to our ability to communicate in such sophisticated ways. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. Seller Inventory # 9781332599196_0
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ORIGIN & DIVERSIFICATION OF LA
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