The Language Myth

Language is central to our lives the cultural tool that arguably sets us apart from other species. Some scientists have argued that language is innate a type of unique human ''instinct'' pre-programmed in us from birth. In this book Vyvyan Evans argues that this received wisdom is in fact a myth. Debunking the notion of a language ''instinct'' Evans demonstrates that language is related to other animal forms of communication; that languages exhibit staggering diversity; that we learn our mother tongue drawing on general properties and abilities of the human mind rather than an inborn ''universal'' grammar; that language is not autonomous but is closely related to other aspects of our mental lives; and that ultimately language and the mind reflect and draw upon the way we interact with others in the world. Compellingly written and drawing on cutting-edge research The Language Myth sets out a forceful alternative to the received wisdom showing how language and the mind really work.