The origin of language : how we learned to speak and why
Title::
The origin of language : how we learned to speak and why
First Author value, for Searching:
Beekman, Madeleine, author. 1https://id.oclc.org/worldcat/entity/E39PBJqK7xqXyh4wHYBw63XDbd
Format:
Book
Abstract:
"In a radical new story about the birth of our species, The Origin of Language argues that it was not hunting, fighting, or tool-making that forced early humans to speak, but the inescapable need to care for our children. Journeying to the dawn of Homo sapiens, evolutionary biologist Madeleine Beekman reveals the "happy accidents" hidden in our molecular biology--DNA, chromosomes, and proteins--that led to one of the most fateful events in the history of life on Earth: our giving birth to babies earlier in their development than our hominid cousins the Neanderthals and Denisovans. Faced with highly dependent infants requiring years of nurturing and protection, early human communities needed to cooperate and coordinate, and it was this unprecedented need for communication that triggered the creation of human language--and changed everything. Infused with cutting-edge science, sharp humor, and insights into the history of biology and its luminaries, Beekman weaves a narrative that's both enlightening and entertaining. Challenging the traditional theories of male luminaries like Chomksy, Pinker, and Harari, she invites us into the intricate world of molecular biology and its ancient secrets. The Origin of Language is a tour de force by a brilliant biologist on how a culture of cooperation and care have shaped our existence."--Publisher.
Contents:
Introduction: See how it begins -- Part one: Mistakes were made. The 1 percent ; Our original childcare problem ; Beat of a different drum ; Mind blown -- Part two: . . .And then we started talking. Loud moms ; Who needs half a grammar? ; Other minds ; Brave new world ; Modern family -- Acknowledgments -- Approximate timing of key changes that led us to become what we are today -- Notes -- Index.
Subject:
| Language and languages -- Origin. |
| Historical linguistics. |
| Human evolution. |
| Langage et langues -- Origines. |
| Êtres humains -- Évolution. |
| Linguistique historique. |
| LANGUAGE STUDY / General. |
| Informational works. |
| Documents d'information. |
Summary:
"In a radical new story about the birth of our species, The Origin of Language argues that it was not hunting, fighting, or tool-making that forced early humans to speak, but the inescapable need to care for our children. Journeying to the dawn of Homo sapiens, evolutionary biologist Madeleine Beekman reveals the "happy accidents" hidden in our molecular biology--DNA, chromosomes, and proteins--that led to one of the most fateful events in the history of life on Earth: our giving birth to babies earlier in their development than our hominid cousins the Neanderthals and Denisovans. Faced with highly dependent infants requiring years of nurturing and protection, early human communities needed to cooperate and coordinate, and it was this unprecedented need for communication that triggered the creation of human language--and changed everything. Infused with cutting-edge science, sharp humor, and insights into the history of biology and its luminaries, Beekman weaves a narrative that's both enlightening and entertaining. Challenging the traditional theories of male luminaries like Chomksy, Pinker, and Harari, she invites us into the intricate world of molecular biology and its ancient secrets. The Origin of Language is a tour de force by a brilliant biologist on how a culture of cooperation and care have shaped our existence."--Publisher.
Number Available:
1