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From Hand to Mouth: The Origins of Language
Michael C. Corballis
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Description for From Hand to Mouth: The Origins of Language
Paperback. Marshaling far-flung evidence from anthropology, animal behavior, neurology, molecular biology, anatomy, linguistics, and evolutionary psychology, the author makes the case that language developed, with the emergence of Homo sapiens, from primate gestures to a true signed language, complete with grammar and syntax. Num Pages: 272 pages, 13 color illus. 5 tables. BIC Classification: CFA; CFF. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational; (U) Tertiary Education (US: College). Dimension: 158 x 235 x 17. Weight in Grams: 412.
It is often said that speech is what distinguishes us from other animals. But are we all talk? What if language was bequeathed to us not by word of mouth, but as a hand-me-down? The notion that language evolved not from animal cries but from manual and facial gestures--that, for most of human history, actions have spoken louder than words--has been around since Condillac. But never before has anyone developed a full-fledged theory of how, why, and with what effects language evolved from a gestural system to the spoken word. Marshaling far-flung evidence from anthropology, animal behavior, neurology, molecular biology, ... Read more
It is often said that speech is what distinguishes us from other animals. But are we all talk? What if language was bequeathed to us not by word of mouth, but as a hand-me-down? The notion that language evolved not from animal cries but from manual and facial gestures--that, for most of human history, actions have spoken louder than words--has been around since Condillac. But never before has anyone developed a full-fledged theory of how, why, and with what effects language evolved from a gestural system to the spoken word. Marshaling far-flung evidence from anthropology, animal behavior, neurology, molecular biology, ... Read more
Product Details
Publisher
Princeton University Press United States
Number of pages
272
Format
Paperback
Publication date
2003
Condition
New
Weight
411g
Number of Pages
272
Place of Publication
New Jersey, United States
ISBN
9780691116730
SKU
V9780691116730
Shipping Time
Usually ships in 7 to 11 working days
Ref
99-1
About Michael C. Corballis
Michael C. Corballis is Professor of Psychology and a member of the Research Center for Cognitive Science at the University of Auckland. He is the author of three books, including "The Lopsided Ape", and coeditor of "The Descent of Mind". His work has appeared in "Science","Nature", Scientific American", and "American Scientist".
Reviews for From Hand to Mouth: The Origins of Language
"Provocative... The gestural theory makes for a captivating story."
Emily Eakin, New York Times "From Hand to Mouth is informative and entertaining... [It] will raise awareness about the importance of gestures and the crucial role they play in communicative interactions."
Dario Maestripieri, American Scientist "Corballis makes the case that the evolutionary origins of language are in gestures rather than in speech... An ... Read more
Emily Eakin, New York Times "From Hand to Mouth is informative and entertaining... [It] will raise awareness about the importance of gestures and the crucial role they play in communicative interactions."
Dario Maestripieri, American Scientist "Corballis makes the case that the evolutionary origins of language are in gestures rather than in speech... An ... Read more