How new languages emerge

by Lightfoot, David

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Title Statements

Full title :How new languages emerge / David Lightfoot.

Summary

"New languages are constantly emerging, as existing languages diverge into different forms. To explain this fascinating process, we need to understand how languages change and how they emerge in children. In this pioneering study, David Lightfoot explains how languages come into being. He explores how new systems arise, how they are acquired by children, and how adults and children play different, complementary roles in language change. Lightfoot distinguishes between 'external language' (language as it exists in the world) and 'internal language' (language as represented in an individual's brain). By examining the interplay between the two, he shows how children are 'cue-based' learners, who scan their external linguistic environment for specified structures, making sense of the world outside in order to build their internal language. The internal properties of human brains provide the means to interpret speech. Engaging and original, this book offers a pathbreaking new account of language acquisition, variation, and change."--Publisher's description

Edition Statements

Publication Date:©2006

Publication Statements

Publisher(s):Cambridge University Press
Place of Publication:Cambridge, UK
Language:eng
Publication Date:©2006

The Physical Object

Description:1 online resource (ix, 199 pages) : : illustrations

Edition Identifiers

ISBN:9780511616204, 0511616201, 9780511140914, 0511140916, 9780511139567, 051113956X, 9780511140143, 0511140142, 9780511309212, 051130921X, 9781280431982, 1280431989, 9786610431984, 6610431981, 1107156270, 9781107156272, 0511183925, 9780511183928
oclc:ocm68045489
LC Classification:P142
Dewey Decimal:417/.7

1. Internal languages and the outside world -- 2. Traditional language change -- 3. Some properties of language organs -- 4. Languages emerging in children -- 5. New E-language cuing new I-languages -- 6. The use and variation of grammars -- 7. The eruption of new grammars -- 8. A new historical linguistics.

Subjects

Changement linguistique FOREIGN LANGUAGE STUDY -- Ancient Langu… Langage -- Acquisition Language acquisition Language and languages -- Variation LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES -- Linguist… Linguistic change Variation linguistique