The Origins of Grammar: An Anthropological Perspective

Description

Quintessential work on the nature and origins of language grammar, and its role in language and our own evolution as humans. >

Martin Edwardes has taught psycholinguistics and statistics for social scientists at Kings College, London at BSc and MA levels, and was the web editor for the British Association for Applied Linguistics, 2004-2007. He is a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute and an Associate Member of the British Computer Society.

"Martin Edwardes has written a knowledgeable and thoughtful book on the origins of grammar. I am happy to say that Edwardes' book complements my own book of the same title, taking a similar view on central issues such as the importance of meaning, of social interaction and a gradualist view of evolution. Valuably, Edwardes approaches the topic from an anthropological viewpoint, as his subtitle makes clear. Together, both books offer innovative and thorough coverage of the field. " -- James R. Hurford, Professor (Emeritus), University of Edinburgh, Scotland "Martin Edwardes has written a wonderfully clear book that sets out the central issues in linguistics that are pertinent to the evolution of grammar and brings them into contact with psychological and anthropological concerns. The style is accessible and will meet a broad audience but the thesis will set academics thinking, arguing and reaching for their pens." -- Tom Dickins, Reader in the School of Psychology, University of East London, UK ... a very useful primer on many issues in evolutionary anthropology for readers with little previous knowledge of the subfields... it is a valuable work. -- Journal of the Royal Astronomical Institute Issue 17:4