The Talking Ape

Robbins Burling traces language back to its earliest origins among our distant ape-like forbears several million years ago. He examines the qualities of mind and brain needed to support the operations of language; investigates the first links between signs, sounds, and meanings; explores the beginnings and prehistories of vocabulary and grammar; and connects work in field such as linguistics, evolutionary biology, and archaeology. And he does all this in a style that is crystal-clear, constantly enlivened by wit and humour.

Autorentext
Robbins Burling is Professor Emeritus of Anthropology and Linguistics at the University of Michigan and has long been interested in language, and human evolution. His books include Hill Farms and Padi Fields: Life in Mainland Southeast Asia, The Passage of Power, Patterns of Language, and The Strong Women of Modhupur.

Inhalt

• 1: In The Beginning

• 2: Smiles, Winks, and Words

• 3: Truths and Lies

• 4: The Mind and Language

• 5: Signs and Symbols

• 6: Icons Gained and Icons Lost

• 7: From A Few Sounds To Many Words

• 8: Syntax: Wired and Learned

• 9: Step By Step To Grammar

• 10: Power, Gossip, and Seduction

• 11: What Has Language Done To Us?

• Notes

• Glossary

• Bibliography

• Index