How New Languages Emerge
Published on 5. January 2006
Book
Hardback
212 pages
978-0-521-85913-4 (ISBN)
Description
New languages are constantly emerging, as existing languages diverge into different forms. To explain this fascinating process, we need to understand how languages change and how they emerge in children. In this pioneering study, David Lightfoot explains how languages come into being, arguing that children are the driving force. He explores how new systems arise, how they are acquired by children, and how adults and children play different, complementary roles in language change. Lightfoot makes an important distinction between 'external language' (language as it exists in the world), and 'internal language' (language as represented in an individual's brain). By examining the interplay between the two, he shows how children are 'cue-based' learners, who scan their external linguistic environment for new structures, making sense of the world outside in order to build their internal language. Engaging and original, this book offers an interesting account of language acquisition, variation and change.
Reviews / Votes
'This expert study weaves together inquiries in theoretical and historical linguistics and acquisition of language, providing new ideas and insights about the nature of language and about the emergence of languages through history and in the individual. Lucidly written and accessible to a general audience, its original perspectives and acute analyses of wide-ranging empirical materials also provide fascinating challenges to those working at the borders of research in the many areas that Lightfoot engages. An impressive and very valuable contribution.' Noam Chomsky, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 'In How New Languages Emerge Lightfoot offers a convincing and elegant account for why major changes in language occur by putting the focus where it belongs: on the linguistic creativity of children and the input they receive from adults.' Mark Louden, University of Wisconsin '... How New Languages Emerge is a rewarding read for all those interested in the interplay between language acquisition, variation and change. ... I have no doubt that Lightfoot's book will incite discussion on the nature of language evolution and change.' Journal of LinguisticsMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
502 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-521-85913-4 (9780521859134)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
David Lightfoot
How New Languages Emerge
E-Book
02/2006
1st Edition
Cambridge University Press
€38.49
Available for download
David Lightfoot
How New Languages Emerge
Book
01/2006
Cambridge University Press
€58.10
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
David Lightfoot is Professor of Linguistics at Georgetown University, and Assistant Director of the National Science Foundation.
Content
Preface; 1. Internal languages and the outside world; 2. Traditional language change; 3. Some properties of language organs; 4. Languages emerging in children; 5. New E-language cuing new I-languages; 6. The use and variation of grammars; 7. The eruption of new grammars; 8. A new historical linguistics; References; Index.