Gesture and the Nature of Language
- Authors:
- David F. Armstrong, Gallaudet University, Washington DC
- William C. Stokoe, Gallaudet University, Washington DC
- Sherman E. Wilcox, University of New Mexico
- Date Published: May 1995
- availability: Available
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521467728
Paperback
Looking for an inspection copy?
Please email [email protected] to enquire about an inspection copy of this book
-
This book proposes a radical alternative to dominant views of the evolution of language, and in particular the origins of syntax. The authors argue that manual and vocal communication developed in parallel, and that the basic elements of syntax are intrinsic to gesture. They draw on evidence from areas such as primatology, anthropology, and linguistics, to present a groundbreaking account of the notion that language emerged through visible bodily action. They go on to examine the implications of their findings for linguistic theory and theories of the biological evolution of the capacity for language. Written in a clear and accessible style, Gesture and the Nature of Language will be indispensable reading for all those interested in the origins of language.
Read more- William Stokoe is a pioneer of modern research on sign language
- This topic is currently attracting a good deal of attention in linguistics, anthropology, cognitive science, and psychology
- New line of approach to the subject; written in clear, lucid style
Reviews & endorsements
'The authors display a broad and deep scholarship, often provocative and stimulating, but never tendentious, and happily free of the polemic tone that mars much linguistic argument.' Michael Studdert-Kennedy
See more reviews'This book links studies of sign language and gesture with recent ideas about human evolution in a highly interesting way. It presents the important idea of 'semantic phonology' and suggests how syntax may have arisen from the inherent structure of practical actions.' Adam Kendon
Customer reviews
Not yet reviewed
Be the first to review
Review was not posted due to profanity
×Product details
- Date Published: May 1995
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521467728
- length: 272 pages
- dimensions: 213 x 140 x 18 mm
- weight: 0.35kg
- contains: 6 b/w illus.
- availability: Available
Table of Contents
Preface
1. The universe of gesture
2. The nature of gesture
3. Are signed and spoken languages differently organized?
4. Is language modular?
5. Do we have a genetically programmed drive to acquire language?
6. Language from the body politic
7. The origin of syntax: gesture as name and relation
8. Language from the body: an evolutionary perspective
References
Index.
Sorry, this resource is locked
Please register or sign in to request access. If you are having problems accessing these resources please email [email protected]
Register Sign in» Proceed
You are now leaving the Cambridge University Press website. Your eBook purchase and download will be completed by our partner www.ebooks.com. Please see the permission section of the www.ebooks.com catalogue page for details of the print & copy limits on our eBooks.
Continue ×Are you sure you want to delete your account?
This cannot be undone.
Thank you for your feedback which will help us improve our service.
If you requested a response, we will make sure to get back to you shortly.
×