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The Unfolding Of Language (Paperback)
Loot Price: R283
Discovery Miles 2 830
You Save: R63
(18%)
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The Unfolding Of Language (Paperback)
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List price R346
Loot Price R283
Discovery Miles 2 830
You Save R63 (18%)
Expected to ship within 9 - 15 working days
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'A persuasive and beautifully written take on how languages are
constantly evolving... an enthralling read about human psychology
and anthropology as well as linguistics.' ALEX BELLOS
___________________________________ 'Language is mankind's greatest
invention - except of course, that it was never invented'. So
begins Guy Deutscher's fascinating investigation into the evolution
of language. No one believes that the Roman Senate sat down one day
to design the complex system that is Latin grammar, and few
believe, these days, in the literal truth of the story of the Tower
of Babel. But then how did there come to be so many languages, and
of such elaborate design? If we started off with rudimentary
utterances on the level of 'man throw spear', how did we end up
with sophisticated grammars, enormous vocabularies, and intricately
nuanced shades of meaning? Drawing on recent, groundbreaking
discoveries in modern linguistics, Deutscher exposes the elusive
forces of creation at work in human communication. Along the way,
we learn why German maidens are neuter while German turnips are
female, why we have feet not foots, and how great changes in
pronunciation may result from simple laziness...
_____________________ 'Powerful and thrilling' SPECTATOR 'Really
ought to be read by anyone who persists in complaining that the
English language is going to the dogs' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH 'I was
enthralled' A.S. Byatt, for GUARDIAN 'Books of the Year' 'Highly
original... clever and convincing... this book will stretch your
mind' INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY 'Fascinating' BOSTON GLOBE
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