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24%OFFGuy Deutscher - The Unfolding of Language - 9780099460251 - V9780099460251
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The Unfolding of Language

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Description for The Unfolding of Language Paperback. Presents an investigation into the evolution of language. This book exposes the elusive forces of creation at work in human communication. Along the way, it teaches why German maidens are neuter while German turnips are female, why we have feet not foots, and how great changes of pronunciation may result from simple laziness. Num Pages: 368 pages, illustrations. BIC Classification: CFFD; J. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational; (U) Tertiary Education (US: College). Dimension: 196 x 130 x 23. Weight in Grams: 262.

'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
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'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 ... Read more 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...
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'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

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Product Details

Publisher
Cornerstone
Format
Paperback
Publication date
2006
Condition
New
Number of Pages
368
Place of Publication
London, United Kingdom
ISBN
9780099460251
SKU
V9780099460251
Shipping Time
Usually ships in 5 to 9 working days
Ref
99-99

About Guy Deutscher
Born in 1969, Guy Deutscher read Maths at Cambridge before doing his PhD in Linguistics. Formerly a Research Fellow in Historical Linguistics at St John's College, Cambridge, he is now at the Department of Ancient Near Eastern Languages in the University of Leiden. He lives in Amsterdam.

Reviews for The Unfolding of Language
'Highly original... Brilliant... How did...regular and complex languages come to exist? Deutscher's chosen task is to unravel [a] paradox, and he does so brilliantly, witholding the secret with great skill. If I told you how it works, you wouldn't buy the book. Both clever and convincing... this book will stretch your mind' Independent on Sunday 'I was enthralled by Guy ... Read more

Goodreads reviews for The Unfolding of Language


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