Simon Kirby - Böcker

This book explores issues at the core of modern linguistics and cognitive science. Why are all languages similar in some ways and in others utterly different? Why do languages change and change variably? How did the human capacity for language evolve, and how far did it do so as an innate ability? Simon Kirby looks at these questions from a broad perspective, arguing that they can (indeed must) be studied together. The author begins by examining how far the universal properties of language may be explained by examining the way it is used, and how far by the way it is structured. He then considers what insights may be gained by combining functional and formal approaches. In doing so he develops a way of treating language as an adaptive system, in which its communicative and formal roles are both crucial and complementary. In order to test the effectiveness of competing theories and explanations, Simon Kirby develops computational models to show what universals emerge given a particular theory of language use or acquisition. He presents here both the methodology and the results. Function, Selection, and Innateness is important for its argument, its methodology, and its conclusions. It is a powerful demonstration of the value of looking at language as an adaptive system and goes to the heart of current debates on the evolution and nature of language.

What is it that makes us human?This is one of the most challenging and important questions we face. Our species' defining characteristic is language - we appear to be unique in the natural world in having such an incredibly open-ended system for putting thoughts into words. If we are to truly understand ourselves as a species we must understand the origins of this strange and unique ability. To do so, we need to answer some of the most intriguing questions in contemporary scientific research: Where did language come from? How did it evolve? Why are we unique in possessing it?This book, for the first time, brings together the leading thinkers who are trying to unlock the puzzle of language evolution. Here we see the latest ideas and theories from fields as diverse as anthropology, archaeology, artificial life, biology, cognitive science, linguistics, neuroscience, and psychology. In a series of seventeen well-written and accessible chapters we get an unrivalled view of the state of the art in this exciting area. Current controversies are revealed and new perspectives uncovered, in a clear and readable guide to the latest theories.This collection marks a major step forward in our quest to understand the origins and evolution of human language. In doing so it sheds new light on the process of evolution, the workings of the brain, the structure of language, and - most importantly - what it means to be human.Language Evolution is essential reading for researchers and students working in the areas covered, and has been used as a textbook for courses in the field. It will also attract the general reader who wants to know more about this fascinating subject.

How humans acquired language and how languages evolved are two of the most intriguing questions in contemporary scientific research. Answering them would throw new light on the process of evolution, the human brain, the structure of language, and what it means to be human. In this book researchers in cognitive science, anthropology, ethology, human biology, and linguistics say what they think about the origins of human language.

Fast track route to successfully taking new ideas to market Covers the key areas of innovation, from generating new concepts and selecting the best opportunities to managing a new product launch and ensuring effective deliveryExamples and lessons from some of the world's most successful businesses, including ABB, eBay, 3M and Zara, and ideas from the smartest thinkers, including Edward de Bono, John Kao, Robert Cooper, Gary Hamel and Clayton ChristiansenIncludes a comprehensive resources guide

This book focuses on important decision points and evidence needed for making decisions at these points during the development of a new drug.

This book focuses on important decision points and evidence needed for making decisions at these points during the development of a new drug.