Please note: In order to keep Hive up to date and provide users with the best features, we are no longer able to fully support Internet Explorer. The site is still available to you, however some sections of the site may appear broken. We would encourage you to move to a more modern browser like Firefox, Edge or Chrome in order to experience the site fully.

Supporting your high street Find out how »
The Unfolding Of Language, Paperback / softback Book

The Unfolding Of Language Paperback / softback

Paperback / softback

Less than 10 available - usually despatched within 24 hours

Description

'A persuasive and beautifully written take on how languages are constantly evolving... an enthralling read about human psychology and anthropology as well as linguistics.' ALEX BELLOS___________________________________'Language is mankind's greatest invention - except of course, that it was never invented'.

So begins Guy Deutscher's fascinating investigation into the evolution of language.

No one believes that the Roman Senate sat down one day to design the complex system that is Latin grammar, and few believe, these days, in the literal truth of the story of the Tower of Babel.

But then how did there come to be so many languages, and of such elaborate design?

If we started off with rudimentary utterances on the level of 'man throw spear', how did we end up with sophisticated grammars, enormous vocabularies, and intricately nuanced shades of meaning?Drawing on recent, groundbreaking discoveries in modern linguistics, Deutscher exposes the elusive forces of creation at work in human communication.

Along the way, we learn why German maidens are neuter while German turnips are female, why we have feet not foots, and how great changes in pronunciation may result from simple laziness... _____________________'Powerful and thrilling' SPECTATOR'Really ought to be read by anyone who persists in complaining that the English language is going to the dogs' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH'I was enthralled' A.S.

Byatt, for GUARDIAN 'Books of the Year''Highly original... clever and convincing... this book will stretch your mind' INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY'Fascinating' BOSTON GLOBE

Information

Other Formats

Save 6%

£10.99

£10.25

Less than 10 available - usually despatched within 24 hours
Add to Basket
Sign in to add to wishlist
 
Free Home Delivery

on all orders

 
Pick up orders

from local bookshops

Information