[language] Human Language and Our Reptilian Brain]

H.M. Hubey hubeyh at mail.montclair.edu
Fri Mar 8 15:52:17 UTC 2002


<><><><><><><><><><><><>--This is the Language List--<><><><><><><><><><><><><>




-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [evol-psych] Human Language and Our Reptilian Brain
Date: Fri, 08 Mar 2002 14:54:14 +0000


Human Language and Our Reptilian Brain: The Subcortical Bases of Speech,
Syntax, and Thought (Perspectives in Cognitive Neuroscience)
by Philip Lieberman, Stephen M. Kosslyn
Paperback - 240 pages (March 2002)
Harvard Univ Pr; ISBN: 067400793X
AMAZON - US
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/067400793X/darwinanddarwini/
AMAZON - UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/067400793X/humannaturecom/

Synopsis

This work is an entry into the fierce current debate among
psycho-linguists,
neuroscientists, and evolutionary theorists about the nature and origins
of
human language. A prominent neuroscientist here takes up the Darwinian
case,
using data seldom considered by psycho-linguists and neuro-linguists to
argue
that human language - though more sophisticated than all other forms of
animal
communication - is not a qualitative different ability from all forms of
animal
communication, does not require a quantum evolutionary leap to explain
it, and
is not unified in a single "language instinct". Using clinical evidence
from
speech-impaired patients, functional neuro-imaging, and evolutionary
biology to
make his case, Philip Lieberman contends that human language is not a
single
separate module but a functional neurological system made up off many
separate
abilities. Language remains as it began, the author argues: a device for
coping
with the world. But in a blow to human narcissism, he makes the case
that this
most remarkable human ability is a by-product of our remote reptilian
ancestors' abilities to dodge hazards, seize opportunities, and live to
see
another day.

Philip Lieberman is Fred M. Seed Professor of Cognitive and Linguistic
Sciences
and Professor of Anthropology at Brown University and the author of The
Biology
and Evolution of Language, Uniquely Human: The Evolution of Speech,
Thought,
and Selfless Behavior (both from Harvard), and Eve Spoke. Perspectives
in
Cognitive Neuroscience: A series edited by Stephen M. Kosslyn June 61/8
x 91/4
15 line illus., 1 halftone 224 pp.

Reviews

This is a thoughtful and scholarly book that is bound to expand the
horizons of
any...well-educated layperson or student who would like a brief review
of this
dynamic multidisciplinary field that encompasses neurology, primate
studies,
anthropology, psychology, and of course linguistics.

--F. S. Szalay, Choice

---<><><><><><><><><><><><>----Language----<><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Copyrights/"Fair Use":  http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html
The "fair use" exemption to copyright law was created to allow things
such as commentary, parody, news reporting, research and education
about copyrighted works without the permission of the author. That's
important so that copyright law doesn't block your freedom to express
your own works -- only the ability to express other people's.
Intent, and damage to the commercial value of the work are
important considerations.

You are currently subscribed to language as: language at listserv.linguistlist.org
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-language-4283Y at csam-lists.montclair.edu



More information about the Language mailing list