Product Description: The sudden discovery of Nicaraguan Sign Language (NSL) enthralled scholars worldwide who hoped to witness the evolution of a new language. But controversy erupted regarding the validity of NSL as a genuinely spontaneous language created by young children...read more

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A scientific examination of human speech and the origins of language looks at the evolutionary development--back to the earliest humans--of the biological functions that make human speech possible. BAKER & TAYLOR (view table of contents)

Lists 102 walks for varying ability levels in the Swiss Alps, with full descriptions and distance and time information

Product Description: Pulitzer Prize Winning author Edward O. Wilson contributes two of four selections from Harvard University Press in this anthology of important writings on the evolution of human cognition. In clear, non-technical language, the mind's biological and behavioural roots are traced from their primitive beginnings in our ape-like ancestors to the explosive growth of our modern linguistic-based consciousness...read more

In a stimulating synthesis of cognitive science, anthropology, and linguistics, Philip Lieberman tackles the fundamental questions of human nature: How and why are human beings so different from other species? Can the Darwinian theory of evolution explain human linguistic and cognitive ability? How do our processes of language and thought differ from those of Homo erectus 500,000 years ago, or of the Neanderthals 35,000 years ago? What accounts for human moral sense? Lieberman believes that evolution for rapid, efficient vocal communication forged modern human beings by creating the modern human brain. Earlier hominids lacked fully human speech and syntax, which together allow us to convey complex thoughts rapidly. The author discusses how natural selection acted on older brain mechanisms to produce a structure that can regulate the motor activity necessary for speech and command the complex syntax that enhances the creativity of human language. The unique brain mechanisms underlying human language also enhance human cognitive ability, allowing us to derive abstract concepts and to plan complex activities. These factors are necessary for the development of true altruism and moral behavior. Lieberman supports his argument about the evolution of speech and the human brain by combining the comparative method of Charles Darwin, insights from archaeology and child development, and the results of high-tech research with computerized brain scanning and computer models that can recreate speech sounds made by our ancestors over 100,000 years ago. Uniquely Human will stimulate fresh thought and controversy on the basic question of how we came to be.

Product Description: This textbook has been carefully designed to provide a thorough introduction to the study of speech. It assumes no technical background, and students from a wide variety of disciplines contributing to this new and exciting field will find the exposition fully accessible...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Evolution of human speech. Includes over 100 black-and-white photos, figures and tables.

Product Description: Walking travel guide for Switzerland.

This book synthesizes much of the exciting recent research in the biology of language. Drawing on data from anatomy, neurophysiology, physiology, and behavioral biology, Lieberman develops a new approach to the puzzle of language, arguing that it is the result of many evolutionary compromises. Within his discussion, Lieberman skillfully addresses matters as various as the theory of neoteny (which he refutes), the mating calls of bullfrogs, ape language, dyslexia, and computer-implemented models of the brain.

Describes the function and operation of the Apple IIc personal computer, discusses its business, educational, and communication uses, and offers advice on programming the Apple IIc