The Nature And Origin Of Language
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The Nature and Origin of Language
Author: Denis Bouchard
language: en
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Release Date: 2013-10
Denis Bouchard looks at how the human brain got the capacity for language and how language evolved. He argues that language is a system of signs and considers how these elements first came together in the brain. His account of language origins offers insights into language and to constructions that have defied decades of linguistic analysis.
Language: Its Nature, Development and Origin
In "Language: Its Nature, Development and Origin," Otto Jespersen explores the intricate tapestry of language, considering its biological, psychological, and social dimensions. Through a rigorous linguistic framework, Jespersen employs a descriptive and analytical style that deftly combines historical linguistics with contemporary insights, revealing the evolution of language as a dynamic and living system. He delves into concepts such as phonetics, syntax, and semantics while situating linguistic development within broader cultural and historical contexts, making it an essential text for understanding the complexities of human communication. Otto Jespersen, a prominent Danish linguist and a pioneering figure in the field of English grammar, draws on his extensive academic background to craft this seminal work. His experiences in the rapidly evolving landscape of European languages during the late 19th and early 20th centuries likely informed his inquiry into language origins and classifications. Jespersen's ability to synthesize various linguistic theories showcases his commitment to the scientific study of language, making him a respected authority in the field. This book is highly recommended for scholars, students, and language enthusiasts alike, offering profound insights into the essence of language itself. Jespersen's thoughtful analysis invites readers to reflect on their own linguistic experiences while providing a comprehensive foundation for further exploration in the spheres of linguistics and semiotics.
Origin Of Language
Public debate about language in the English-speaking world during the nineteenth century turned on the issue of how language began. The notion that language was a divine gift to humanity, not shared by lower creatures, was supported by the Biblical accounts of Adam naming the animals and of the Tower of Babel. It was still accepted by leading religious authorities. But this notion was seriously brought into question by the publication of Darwin's theory of evolution. Those who rejected Darwinism ridiculed all attempts to conjure up language out of primitive calls, grunts, and ejaculations. No animals, it was pointed out, had yet achieved communication remotely resembling the use of words. On the other side were those who held that it was possible to account for the birth of language rationally as a function of the development of human communicational needs in society.