
The Signs of a Savant
Language Against the Odds
Cambridge University Press
Published on 2. December 2010
Book
Paperback/Softback
232 pages
978-0-521-61769-7 (ISBN)
Description
Every once in a while nature gives us insight into the human condition by providing us with a unique case whose special properties illuminate the species as a whole. Christopher is such an example. Despite disabilities which mean that everyday tasks are burdensome chores, Christopher is a linguistic wonder who can read, write, speak, understand and translate more than twenty languages. On some tests he shows a severely low IQ, hinting at ineducability, yet his English language ability indicates an IQ in excess of 120 (a level more than sufficient to enter university). Christopher is a savant, someone with an island of startling talent in a sea of inability. This book documents his learning of British Sign Language, casting light on the modularity of cognition, the modality neutrality of the language faculty, the structure of memory, the grammar of signed language and the nature of the human mind.
Reviews / Votes
'This fascinating case study of a linguistic savant offers important insights into how developmental disorders may affect acquisition of sign.' Richard P. Meier, University of Texas, Austin 'This penetrating study of a unique mind provides rich and original insight into cognitive architecture and sign and spoken language.' Noam Chomsky, Massachusetts Institute of Technology 'This is a book for anyone interested in languages or the mind more generally. It was fortunate that the authors had contact with C. over such a long period of time so that they could share with us this detailed picture of an extremely interesting case of a language savant. Moreover, it is engagingly written, even as it is packed with detailed information. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in memory, atypical learners, sign language, or cognition.' Linguist ListMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Cambridge
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
9 Tables, black and white; 10 Halftones, black and white; 5 Line drawings, color; 28 Line drawings, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
346 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-521-61769-7 (9780521617697)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
12/2010
1st Edition
Cambridge University Press
€32.49
Available for download

Book
12/2010
Cambridge University Press
€110.30
Shipment within 15-20 days
Persons
Neil Smith is Professor Emeritus of Linguistics at University College London. Ianthi Tsimpli is Professor of Psycholinguistics at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Gary Morgan is Professor of Psychology at City University, London. Bencie Woll is Director of the Centre for Deafness Cognition and Language at University College London.
Author
University College London
Aristotle University, Thessaloniki
City University London
University College London
Content
1. Introducing Christopher; 2. BSL: an overview; 3. The programme; 4. The results; 5. Christopher in the wider context; 6. Modality and the mind.