The Talking Ape: How Language Evolved

by Robbins Burling

Book Overview

Humans never run out of things to say. We explain, we cajole, we gossip, and we flirt--all with the help of language. But how in the space of several million years did we evolve from an ordinary primate that that could not talk to the strange human primate that can't shut up?
In this fascinating, thought-provoking book, Robbins Burling presents the most convincing account of the origins of language ever published, shedding new light on how speech...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0199214034
• ISBN13: 9780199214037
• Release Date: May 2007
• Publisher: OUP Oxford
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.0" x 7.6"

Customer Reviews

An Exquisite Conversation About Language

Simultaneously a study in evolution, language, the human psyche, and the challenges of intellectual rigor, this wonderful book is a thoughtful, thought-provoking, and even startling conversation about how we came to be the talking ape. While the book includes careful treatment (and frequent overturning) of competing theories and controversies within the discipline of linguistics, Burling moves deftly beyond them to work pragmatically at his subject for a general audience. He thinks crisply and writes enjoyably, and demonstrates fluency and fluidity handling a variety of topics in evolutionary theory. The topic overall, and this book in particular, offers much and will be a surprisingly rich exploration to the curious reader.