Book Cover
E-book
Author Kinsella, Anna R.

Title Language evolution and syntactic theory / Anna R. Kinsella
Published Cambridge, UK ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2009

Copies

Description 1 online resource (xiv, 222 pages) : illustrations
Series Approaches to the evolution of language
Approaches to the evolution of language.
Contents Machine generated contents note: 1. Constraining our theory of language -- 2. Language as a perfect system -- 3. Language as an evolvable system -- 4. Language as a recursive system -- 5. Language as a minimal system -- 6. Towards an evolvable theory of syntax
Summary "Evolution has not typically been recognised by linguists as a constraining factor when developing linguistic theories. This book demonstrates that our theories of language must reflect the fact that language has evolved. It critiques a currently dominant framework in the field of linguistics - the Minimalist Program - by showing how it fails to take evolution into account. It approaches the question of the evolution of human language in a novel way by applying findings from the field of evolutionary biology to language. Key properties associated with typically evolving systems are identified in language, and the shortcomings of the Minimalist Program in its outright rejection of these features are exposed. The book will be of interest to individual researchers and advanced students in linguistics, psychology, biology, anthropology and cognitive science."--Jacket
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references (pages 195-210) and index
Notes Print version record
Subject Historical linguistics.
Grammar, Comparative and general -- Syntax.
historical linguistics.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE STUDY -- Ancient Languages.
LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES -- Linguistics -- Historical & Comparative.
Grammar, Comparative and general -- Syntax
Historical linguistics
Form Electronic book
ISBN 9780511596513
0511596510
9780511596919
051159691X