Language Evolution

The Windows Approach

By Rudolf P. Botha | Publisher: Cambridge University Press

About the book

How can we unravel the evolution of language, given that there is no direct evidence about it? Rudolf Botha addresses this intriguing question in his fascinating new book. Inferences can be drawn about language evolution from a range of other phenomena, serving as windows into this prehistoric process. These include shell-beads, fossil skulls and ancestral brains, modern pidgin and creole languages, homesign systems and emergent sign languages, modern motherese, language use of modern hunter-gatherers, first language acquisition, similarities between language and music, and comparative animal behaviour. The first systematic analysis of the Windows Approach, it will be of interest to students and researchers in many disciplines, including anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, palaeontology and primatology, as well as anyone interested in how language evolved.

Editions of Language Evolution

Hardcover
ISBN 9781107135130
Paperback
ISBN 9781316501078

Read an Excerpt

How can we unravel the evolution of language, given that there is no direct evidence about it? Rudolf Botha addresses this intriguing question in his fascinating new book. Inferences can be drawn about language evolution from a range of other phenomena, serving as windows into this prehistoric process. These include shell-beads, fossil skulls and ancestral brains, modern pidgin and creole languages, homesign systems and emergent sign languages, modern motherese, language use of modern hunter-gatherers, first language acquisition, similarities between language and music, and comparative animal behaviour. The first systematic analysis of the Windows Approach, it will be of interest to students and researchers in many disciplines, including anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, palaeontology and primatology, as well as anyone interested in how language evolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Language Evolution about?

How can we unravel the evolution of language, given that there is no direct evidence about it? Rudolf Botha addresses this intriguing question in his fascinating new book. Inferences can be drawn about language evolution from a range of other phenomena, serving as windows into this prehistoric process. These include shell-beads, fossil skulls and ancestral brains, modern pidgin and creole languages, homesign systems and emergent sign languages, modern motherese, language use of modern hunter-gatherers, first language acquisition, similarities between language and music, and comparative animal behaviour. The first systematic analysis of the Windows Approach, it will be of interest to students and researchers in many disciplines, including anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, palaeontology and primatology, as well as anyone interested in how language evolved.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Language Evolution?

Language and Linguistics > Linguistics > Historical and comparative linguistics

Where can I read a sample of Language Evolution?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781107135130

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Language Evolution?

Rudolf P. Botha

Who is the Publisher of the book Language Evolution?

Cambridge University Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Language Evolution is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781107135130) and paperback(ISBN 9781316501078)