The Origins of Grammar: An Anthropological Perspective

Product Description

Quintessential work on the nature and origins of language grammar, and its role in language and our own evolution as humans.>

Review

"Martin Edwardes has written a knowledgeable and thoughtful book on the origins of grammar. I am happy to say that Edwardes' book complements my own book of the same title, taking a similar view on central issues such as the importance of meaning, of social interaction and a gradualist view of evolution. Valuably, Edwardes approaches the topic from an anthropological viewpoint, as his subtitle makes clear. Together, both books offer innovative and thorough coverage of the field. " (James R. Hurford, Professor (Emeritus), University of Edinburgh, Scotland)

"Martin Edwardes has written a wonderfully clear book that sets out the central issues in linguistics that are pertinent to the evolution of grammar and brings them into contact with psychological and anthropological concerns. The style is accessible and will meet a broad audience but the thesis will set academics thinking, arguing and reaching for their pens." (Tom Dickins, Reader in the School of Psychology, University of East London, UK)

"Martin Edwardes has written a knowledgeable and thoughtful book on the origins of grammar. I am happy to say that Edwardes' book complements my own book of the same title, taking a similar view on central issues such as the importance of meaning, of social interaction and a gradualist view of evolution. Valuably, Edwardes approaches the topic from an anthropological viewpoint, as his subtitle makes clear. Together, both books offer innovative and thorough coverage of the field. " (Sanford Lakoff)

"Martin Edwardes has written a wonderfully clear book that sets out the central issues in linguistics that are pertinent to the evolution of grammar and brings them into contact with psychological and anthropological concerns. The style is accessible and will meet a broad audience but the thesis will set academics thinking, arguing and reaching for their pens." (Sanford Lakoff)

About the Author

Martin Edwardes has taught psycholinguistics and statistics for social scientists at Kings College, London at BSc and MA levels, and was the web editor for the British Association for Applied Linguistics, 2004-2007. He is a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute and an Associate Member of the British Computer Society.