The origins of language
Subtitle: what nonhuman primates can tell us
By: edited by Barbara J. King.
Contributors: King, Barbara J., 1956-
Series: School of American Research advanced seminar series
Publisher: School of American Research Press
Published: 1999
Place of publication: Santa Fe, N.M
Language: eng
Number of pages: 442
Subjects: Language and languages -- Origin.; Animal communication.; Primates.
Description: "In The Origins of Language, ten scientists explore some of the core issues in the study of language origins: the linguistic and behavioral precursors to language in nonhuman primates and how to uncover them; the degree to which primate vocal and gestural communication unfolds according to experience and interaction as opposed to biologically determined structures or processes; and how events during ontogeny contribute to the development of language.

Including a general overview of language-origins theories, empirical case studies on nonhuman primates, hominids, and humans, and examinations of specific processes in language evolution, the presentations connect a variety of disciplinary approaches in a sophisticated theoretical framework. Together, they point the way to future study of nonhuman primate communication and cognition that will advance our understanding of how human language developed."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 385-432) and index.
Papers presented at a conference held Oct. 1996.