The Adaptive Value of Languages: Non-linguistic Causes of Language Diversity, volume II

The Adaptive Value of Languages: Non-linguistic Causes of Language Diversity, volume II

Author: Antonio Benítez-Burraco

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

Published: 2024-03-18

Total Pages: 131

ISBN-13: 2832546463

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This Research Topic is the second volume of "The Adaptive Value of Languages: Non-Linguistic Causes of Language Diversity". Please see the first volume here.The goal of this Research Topic is to shed light on the non-linguistic causes of language diversity and, specifically, to explore the possibility that some aspects of the structure of languages may result from an adaptation to the natural and/or human-made environment. Traditionally, language diversity has been claimed to result from random, internally-motivated changes in language structure. Ongoing research suggests instead that different factors that are external to language can promote language change and ultimately account for aspects of language diversity. Accordingly, linguistic complexity has been found to correlate with features of the social environment, such as the absence of cross-cultural exchanges or the number of native speakers. Likewise, language structure could be influenced by the physical environment, as the effect of dry climates on tone seemingly shows. Finally, core properties of human languages, like duality of patterning, have been argued to result from iterative learning and cultural evolution, as research in village sign languages illustrates. On the whole this means that some aspects of languages could be an adaptation to ecological, social, or even technological niches. Eventually, certain gene alleles, provided that they bias language acquisition or processing, may affect language change through iterated cultural transmission, and ultimately, to language structure.


Book Synopsis The Adaptive Value of Languages: Non-linguistic Causes of Language Diversity, volume II by : Antonio Benítez-Burraco

Download or read book The Adaptive Value of Languages: Non-linguistic Causes of Language Diversity, volume II written by Antonio Benítez-Burraco and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2024-03-18 with total page 131 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This Research Topic is the second volume of "The Adaptive Value of Languages: Non-Linguistic Causes of Language Diversity". Please see the first volume here.The goal of this Research Topic is to shed light on the non-linguistic causes of language diversity and, specifically, to explore the possibility that some aspects of the structure of languages may result from an adaptation to the natural and/or human-made environment. Traditionally, language diversity has been claimed to result from random, internally-motivated changes in language structure. Ongoing research suggests instead that different factors that are external to language can promote language change and ultimately account for aspects of language diversity. Accordingly, linguistic complexity has been found to correlate with features of the social environment, such as the absence of cross-cultural exchanges or the number of native speakers. Likewise, language structure could be influenced by the physical environment, as the effect of dry climates on tone seemingly shows. Finally, core properties of human languages, like duality of patterning, have been argued to result from iterative learning and cultural evolution, as research in village sign languages illustrates. On the whole this means that some aspects of languages could be an adaptation to ecological, social, or even technological niches. Eventually, certain gene alleles, provided that they bias language acquisition or processing, may affect language change through iterated cultural transmission, and ultimately, to language structure.

The Adaptive Value of Languages: Non-Linguistic Causes of Language Diversity

The Adaptive Value of Languages: Non-Linguistic Causes of Language Diversity

Author: Antonio Benítez-Burraco

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

Published: 2018-11-08

Total Pages: 179

ISBN-13: 2889456315

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The goal of this eBook is to shed light on the non-linguistic causes of language diversity, and in particular, to explore the possibility that some aspects of the structure of languages may result from an adaptation to the natural and/or human-made environment. Traditionally, language diversity has been claimed to result from random, internally-motivated changes in language structure. However, ongoing research suggests instead that different factors that are external to language can promote language change and ultimately account for aspects of language diversity, specifically features of the social and physical environments. The contributions in this eBook discuss whether some aspects of languages are an adaptation to ecological, social, or even technological niches.


Book Synopsis The Adaptive Value of Languages: Non-Linguistic Causes of Language Diversity by : Antonio Benítez-Burraco

Download or read book The Adaptive Value of Languages: Non-Linguistic Causes of Language Diversity written by Antonio Benítez-Burraco and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2018-11-08 with total page 179 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The goal of this eBook is to shed light on the non-linguistic causes of language diversity, and in particular, to explore the possibility that some aspects of the structure of languages may result from an adaptation to the natural and/or human-made environment. Traditionally, language diversity has been claimed to result from random, internally-motivated changes in language structure. However, ongoing research suggests instead that different factors that are external to language can promote language change and ultimately account for aspects of language diversity, specifically features of the social and physical environments. The contributions in this eBook discuss whether some aspects of languages are an adaptation to ecological, social, or even technological niches.

The Adaptive Value of Languages: Non-Linguistic Causes of Language Diversity

The Adaptive Value of Languages: Non-Linguistic Causes of Language Diversity

Author:

Publisher:

Published: 2018

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The goal of this eBook is to shed light on the non-linguistic causes of language diversity, and in particular, to explore the possibility that some aspects of the structure of languages may result from an adaptation to the natural and/or human-made environment. Traditionally, language diversity has been claimed to result from random, internally-motivated changes in language structure. However, ongoing research suggests instead that different factors that are external to language can promote language change and ultimately account for aspects of language diversity, specifically features of the social and physical environments. The contributions in this eBook discuss whether some aspects of languages are an adaptation to ecological, social, or even technological niches.


Book Synopsis The Adaptive Value of Languages: Non-Linguistic Causes of Language Diversity by :

Download or read book The Adaptive Value of Languages: Non-Linguistic Causes of Language Diversity written by and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The goal of this eBook is to shed light on the non-linguistic causes of language diversity, and in particular, to explore the possibility that some aspects of the structure of languages may result from an adaptation to the natural and/or human-made environment. Traditionally, language diversity has been claimed to result from random, internally-motivated changes in language structure. However, ongoing research suggests instead that different factors that are external to language can promote language change and ultimately account for aspects of language diversity, specifically features of the social and physical environments. The contributions in this eBook discuss whether some aspects of languages are an adaptation to ecological, social, or even technological niches.

Language Diversity, Problem Or Resource?

Language Diversity, Problem Or Resource?

Author: Sandra McKay

Publisher: Newbury House Publishers

Published: 1988

Total Pages: 408

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK


Book Synopsis Language Diversity, Problem Or Resource? by : Sandra McKay

Download or read book Language Diversity, Problem Or Resource? written by Sandra McKay and published by Newbury House Publishers. This book was released on 1988 with total page 408 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Sustaining Linguistic Diversity

Sustaining Linguistic Diversity

Author: Kendall A. King

Publisher: Georgetown University Press

Published: 2008-03-06

Total Pages: 247

ISBN-13: 1589014162

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In the last three decades the field of endangered and minority languages has evolved rapidly, moving from the initial dire warnings of linguists to a swift increase in the number of organizations, funding programs, and community-based efforts dedicated to documentation, maintenance, and revitalization. Sustaining Linguistic Diversity brings together cutting-edge theoretical and empirical work from leading researchers and practitioners in the field. Together, these contributions provide a state-of-the-art overview of current work in defining, documenting, and developing the world's smaller languages and language varieties. The book begins by grappling with how we define endangerment—how languages and language varieties are best classified, what the implications of such classifications are, and who should have the final say in making them. The contributors then turn to the documentation and description of endangered languages and focus on best practices, methods and goals in documentation, and on current field reports from around the globe. The latter part of the book analyzes current practices in developing endangered languages and dialects and particular language revitalization efforts and outcomes in specific locations. Concluding with critical calls from leading researchers in the field to consider the human lives at stake, Sustaining Linguistic Diversity reminds scholars, researchers, practitioners, and educators that linguistic diversity can only be sustained in a world where diversity in all its forms is valued.


Book Synopsis Sustaining Linguistic Diversity by : Kendall A. King

Download or read book Sustaining Linguistic Diversity written by Kendall A. King and published by Georgetown University Press. This book was released on 2008-03-06 with total page 247 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the last three decades the field of endangered and minority languages has evolved rapidly, moving from the initial dire warnings of linguists to a swift increase in the number of organizations, funding programs, and community-based efforts dedicated to documentation, maintenance, and revitalization. Sustaining Linguistic Diversity brings together cutting-edge theoretical and empirical work from leading researchers and practitioners in the field. Together, these contributions provide a state-of-the-art overview of current work in defining, documenting, and developing the world's smaller languages and language varieties. The book begins by grappling with how we define endangerment—how languages and language varieties are best classified, what the implications of such classifications are, and who should have the final say in making them. The contributors then turn to the documentation and description of endangered languages and focus on best practices, methods and goals in documentation, and on current field reports from around the globe. The latter part of the book analyzes current practices in developing endangered languages and dialects and particular language revitalization efforts and outcomes in specific locations. Concluding with critical calls from leading researchers in the field to consider the human lives at stake, Sustaining Linguistic Diversity reminds scholars, researchers, practitioners, and educators that linguistic diversity can only be sustained in a world where diversity in all its forms is valued.

Language Diversity Endangered

Language Diversity Endangered

Author: Matthias Brenzinger

Publisher: Walter de Gruyter

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 476

ISBN-13: 9783110170504

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book compiles unique contributions on the extent and kinds of language endangerment world-wide. Besides presenting the specific situations of language endangerment at the subcontinental level, the volume discusses major issues that bear universally on language endangerment. Aspects of the actual study of endangered languages within fieldwork frameworks are carefully examined.


Book Synopsis Language Diversity Endangered by : Matthias Brenzinger

Download or read book Language Diversity Endangered written by Matthias Brenzinger and published by Walter de Gruyter. This book was released on 2007 with total page 476 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book compiles unique contributions on the extent and kinds of language endangerment world-wide. Besides presenting the specific situations of language endangerment at the subcontinental level, the volume discusses major issues that bear universally on language endangerment. Aspects of the actual study of endangered languages within fieldwork frameworks are carefully examined.

Linguistic Relativities

Linguistic Relativities

Author: John Harold Leavitt

Publisher:

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780511992681

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"There are more than six thousand human languages, each one unique. For the last five hundred years, people have argued about how important language differences are. This book traces that history and shows how language differences have generally been treated either as of no importance or as all-important, depending on broader approaches taken to human life and knowledge. It was only in the twentieth century, in the work of Franz Boas and his students, that an attempt was made to engage seriously with the reality of language specificities. Since the 1950s, this work has been largely presented as yet another claim that language differences are all-important by cognitive scientists and philosophers who believe that such differences are of no importance. This book seeks to correct this misrepresentation and point to the new directions taken by the Boasians, directions now being recovered in the most recent work in psychology and linguistics"--


Book Synopsis Linguistic Relativities by : John Harold Leavitt

Download or read book Linguistic Relativities written by John Harold Leavitt and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "There are more than six thousand human languages, each one unique. For the last five hundred years, people have argued about how important language differences are. This book traces that history and shows how language differences have generally been treated either as of no importance or as all-important, depending on broader approaches taken to human life and knowledge. It was only in the twentieth century, in the work of Franz Boas and his students, that an attempt was made to engage seriously with the reality of language specificities. Since the 1950s, this work has been largely presented as yet another claim that language differences are all-important by cognitive scientists and philosophers who believe that such differences are of no importance. This book seeks to correct this misrepresentation and point to the new directions taken by the Boasians, directions now being recovered in the most recent work in psychology and linguistics"--

Language Diversity in the USA

Language Diversity in the USA

Author: Kim Potowski

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2010-08-05

Total Pages: 346

ISBN-13: 9780521745338

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

What are the most widely spoken non-English languages in the USA? How did they reach the USA? Who speaks them, to whom, and for what purposes? What changes do these languages undergo as they come into contact with English? This book investigates the linguistic diversity of the USA by profiling the twelve most commonly used languages other than English. Each chapter paints a portrait of the history, current demographics, community characteristics, economic status, and language maintenance of each language group, and looks ahead to the future of each language. The book challenges myths about the 'official' language of the USA, explores the degree to which today's immigrants are learning English and assimilating into the mainstream, and discusses the relationship between linguistic diversity and national unity. Written in a coherent and structured style, Language Diversity in the USA is essential reading for advanced students and researchers in sociolinguistics, bilingualism, and education.


Book Synopsis Language Diversity in the USA by : Kim Potowski

Download or read book Language Diversity in the USA written by Kim Potowski and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2010-08-05 with total page 346 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What are the most widely spoken non-English languages in the USA? How did they reach the USA? Who speaks them, to whom, and for what purposes? What changes do these languages undergo as they come into contact with English? This book investigates the linguistic diversity of the USA by profiling the twelve most commonly used languages other than English. Each chapter paints a portrait of the history, current demographics, community characteristics, economic status, and language maintenance of each language group, and looks ahead to the future of each language. The book challenges myths about the 'official' language of the USA, explores the degree to which today's immigrants are learning English and assimilating into the mainstream, and discusses the relationship between linguistic diversity and national unity. Written in a coherent and structured style, Language Diversity in the USA is essential reading for advanced students and researchers in sociolinguistics, bilingualism, and education.

Sustaining Linguistic Diversity

Sustaining Linguistic Diversity

Author: Kendall A. King

Publisher:

Published: 2014-05-14

Total Pages: 247

ISBN-13: 9781461913740

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In the last three decades the field of endangered and minority languages has evolved rapidly, moving from the initial dire warnings of linguists to a swift increase in the number of organizations, funding programs, and community-based efforts dedicated to documentation, maintenance, and revitalization. "Sustaining Linguistic Diversity" brings together cutting-edge theoretical and empirical work from leading researchers and practitioners in the field. Together, these contributions provide a state-of-the-art overview of current work in defining, documenting, and developing the world's smaller languages and language varieties. The book begins by grappling with how we define endangerment -- how languages and language varieties are best classified, what the implications of such classifications are, and who should have the final say in making them. The contributors then turn to the documentation and description of endangered languages and focus on best practices, methods and goals in documentation, and on current field reports from around the globe. The latter part of the book analyzes current practices in developing endangered languages and dialects and particular language revitalization efforts and outcomes in specific locations. Concluding with critical calls from leading researchers in the field to consider the human lives at stake, "Sustaining Linguistic Diversity" reminds scholars, researchers, practitioners, and educators that linguistic diversity can only be sustained in a world where diversity in all its forms is valued.


Book Synopsis Sustaining Linguistic Diversity by : Kendall A. King

Download or read book Sustaining Linguistic Diversity written by Kendall A. King and published by . This book was released on 2014-05-14 with total page 247 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the last three decades the field of endangered and minority languages has evolved rapidly, moving from the initial dire warnings of linguists to a swift increase in the number of organizations, funding programs, and community-based efforts dedicated to documentation, maintenance, and revitalization. "Sustaining Linguistic Diversity" brings together cutting-edge theoretical and empirical work from leading researchers and practitioners in the field. Together, these contributions provide a state-of-the-art overview of current work in defining, documenting, and developing the world's smaller languages and language varieties. The book begins by grappling with how we define endangerment -- how languages and language varieties are best classified, what the implications of such classifications are, and who should have the final say in making them. The contributors then turn to the documentation and description of endangered languages and focus on best practices, methods and goals in documentation, and on current field reports from around the globe. The latter part of the book analyzes current practices in developing endangered languages and dialects and particular language revitalization efforts and outcomes in specific locations. Concluding with critical calls from leading researchers in the field to consider the human lives at stake, "Sustaining Linguistic Diversity" reminds scholars, researchers, practitioners, and educators that linguistic diversity can only be sustained in a world where diversity in all its forms is valued.

English as a Global Language

English as a Global Language

Author: David Crystal

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2012-03-29

Total Pages: 227

ISBN-13: 1107611806

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Written in a detailed and fascinating manner, this book is ideal for general readers interested in the English language.


Book Synopsis English as a Global Language by : David Crystal

Download or read book English as a Global Language written by David Crystal and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2012-03-29 with total page 227 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Written in a detailed and fascinating manner, this book is ideal for general readers interested in the English language.