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The Biology and Evolution of Language

The Biology and Evolution of Language

Philip Lieberman

ISBN 9780674074132

Publication date: 01/01/1987

This book synthesizes much of the exciting recent research in the biology of language. Drawing on data from anatomy, neurophysiology, physiology, and behavioral biology, Philip Lieberman develops a new approach to the puzzle of language, arguing that it is the result of many evolutionary compromises. Within his discussion, Lieberman skillfully addresses matters as various as the theory of neoteny (which he refutes), the mating calls of bullfrogs, ape language, dyslexia, and computer-implemented models of the brain.

Praise

  • This book will surely become mandatory reading for those engaged in studying language, whether from biological, linguistic, psycholinguistic, developmental or evolutionary directions…[for] Lieberman succeeds in integrating all these levels and clarifying their mutual relevance.

    —Bulletin of the British Psychological Society

Author

  • Philip Lieberman is Fred M. Seed Professor of Cognitive and Linguistic Sciences and Professor of Anthropology at Brown University.

Book Details

  • 392 pages
  • Harvard University Press

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