From Hand to Mouth

The Origins of Language

Michael C. Corballis

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English

Princeton University Pres
02 January 2004

linguistics; Philosophy of language; Historical & comparative linguistics

The notion that language evolved not from animal cries but from manual and facial gestures has been around since Condillac. Marshalling far-flung evidence from anthropology, animal behaviour, neurology, molecular biology, anatomy, linguistics and evolutionary psychology, Michael Corbalis makes the case that language developed, with the emergence of Homo sapiens, from the primate gestures to a true signed language, complete with grammar and syntax and at best punctuated with grunts and other vocalizations. While vocal utterance played an increaingly important complementary role, autonomous speech did not appear until about 50,000 years ago - much later than generally believed. Corbalis explains in detail what we now know about such varied subjects as early hominid evolution, modern signed languages and the causes of left-handedness.

By: Michael C. Corballis
Imprint: Princeton University Pres
Country of Publication: United States
Edition: New edition
Dimensions: Height: 235mm, Width: 156mm, Spine: 17mm
Weight: 369g
ISBN: 9780691116730
ISBN 10: 0691116733
Pages: 272
Publication Date: 02 January 2004
Audience: Professional and scholarly , College/higher education , Undergraduate , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Preface vii Acknowledgments xi Chapter 1. What Is Language? 1 Chapter 2. Do Animals Have Language? 21 Chapter 3. In the Beginning Was the Gesture 41 Chapter 4. On Our Own Two Feet 66 Chapter 5. Becoming Human 82 Chapter 6. Signed Language 102 Chapter 7. It's All Talk 126 Chapter 8. Why Are We Lopsided? 159 Chapter 9. From Hand to Mouth 184 Chapter 10. Synopsis 213 References 221 Index 247

Michael C. Corballis is Professor of Psychology and a member of the Research Center for Cognitive Science at the University of Auckland. He is the author of three books, including The Lopsided Ape , and coeditor of The Descent of Mind . His work has appeared in Science , Nature , Scientific American , and American Scientist .

Reviews for From Hand to Mouth: The Origins of Language

Provocative... The gestural theory makes for a captivating story. -- Emily Eakin, New York Times From Hand to Mouth is informative and entertaining... [It] will raise awareness about the importance of gestures and the crucial role they play in communicative interactions. -- Dario Maestripieri, American Scientist Corballis makes the case that the evolutionary origins of language are in gestures rather than in speech... An engaging story. -- Choice An engaging, highly readable and provocative account of the evolution of human language... In short, this is an important book on an important topic... From Hand to Mouth should be studied by everyone with a serious interest in the origins of language and read by others who want an evolutionary account that is as entertaining as it is informative. -- Joseph B. Hellige, Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society