Wade, Nicholas, ed. The New York Times book of language and linguistics.Rev. ed rev. abbr. 1. revenue 2. reverse 3. reversed 4. review 5. revision 6. revolution rev. 1. revise(d) 2. . Lyons Press. 215p. c2003. 1-58574-793-9. $16.95. SA This intriguing in·trigue n. 1. a. A secret or underhand scheme; a plot. b. The practice of or involvement in such schemes. 2. A clandestine love affair. v. examination of recent findings on various aspects of language and linguistic issues comprises 40 articles drawn from the pages of the science section of The New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of Times. The articles, written by 15 authors, are organized into six sections, each of which is preceded by a brief introduction by the editor. "The Tree of Language" explores the controversial notion that all languages may ultimately be traced back to one original human language. "Language in Other Species" examines the linguistic capabilities of such nonhuman creatures as apes, whales whales - like kicking dead whales down the beach , and elephants. The articles in "The Acquisition of Language" address the manner in which infants acquire their language skills. This section is followed by "Language and the Brain," which discusses how the brain is organized to understand and generate language. The articles in "Language and Society" address such cultural issues as the deciphering of ancient writings ANCIENT WRITINGS, evidence. Deeds, wills, and other writings more than thirty years old, are considered ancient writings. They may in general be read in evidence, without any other proof of their execution than that they have been in the possession of those claiming rights under them. Tr. and current efforts to preserve dying languages from extinction extinction, in biology, disappearance of species of living organisms. Extinction occurs as a result of changed conditions to which the species is not suited. . Finally, "The Latest From the Field" explores such issues as the recent discovery of a gene involved specifically in language. Although these articles were originally intended for the adult general public and not for language specialists, some of the pieces may strike YAs as a bit dry and technical. For slightly more sophisticated readers with even a minimal background in--or at least, healthy curiosity about--fundamental linguistic, anthropological, and cultural issues, this fascinating anthology is sure to prove intellectually rewarding. Jeffrey Cooper, Writer/ Editor, Long Island, NY |
|
||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion