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Development of Language
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Development of Language Paperback - 1999 - 1st Edition

by David Lightfoot

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From the publisher

A language develops over time, it develops in a child, and the capacity for language has evolved in the human species.

First line

Anybody who has attended a performance of Othello or read the King James version of the Bible knows that English has changed over the last 400 years.

From the rear cover

How and why do languages change over time? Could the way an individual child develops affect aggregate language change? What do the mechanisms of change tell us about the evolution of language in our species?

To answer these questions, David Lightfoot looks closely at young children. A child develops a grammar on exposure to some triggering experience. A small perturbation in the trigger may entail a different grammar in the next population of speakers, with dramatic effects. This "sensitive dependence on initial conditions" is the key to explaining how languages change, and why they change in fits and starts.

The "cue-based" approach to language acquisition presented here is a radical departure from formal models of language learning. Lightfoot challenges conventional understanding by showing that language change is essentially contingent - unpredictable but explainable; and he contests how far natural selection enables us to understand the evolution of the language faculty in the species.

Details

  • Title Development of Language
  • Author David Lightfoot
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition number 1st
  • Edition 1
  • Pages 300
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Wiley-Blackwell, Malden, MA, U.S.A.
  • Publication date 1999-01-05
  • Illustrated Yes
  • Features Bibliography, Illustrated, Index
  • ISBN 9780631210603 / 0631210601
  • Weight 1.12 lbs (0.51 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.03 x 6.03 x 0.93 in (22.94 x 15.32 x 2.36 cm)
  • Category Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy
  • Library of Congress subjects Grammar, Comparative and general, Language acquisition
  • Library of Congress Catalogue Number 98028674
  • Dewey Decimal Code 401.93

About the author

David Lightfoot is Professor of Linguistics at the University of Maryland, College Park where he is also Associate Director of the program in Neural and Cognitive Science. His books include The Language Lottery and How to Set Parameters.

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The Development of Language: Acquisition, Change, and Evolution
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The Development of Language: Acquisition, Change, and Evolution

by Lightfoot, David

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9780631210603 / 0631210601
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Blackwell, 1999. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has soft covers. In fair condition, suitable as a study copy. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,600grams, ISBN:9780631210603
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The Development of Language: Acquisition, Change, and Evolution (Blackwell/Maryland Lectures in...
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The Development of Language: Acquisition, Change, and Evolution (Blackwell/Maryland Lectures in Language and Cognition)

by Lightfoot, David

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Wiley-Blackwell. Used - Good. Ships from UK in 48 hours or less (usually same day). Your purchase helps support Sri Lankan Children's Charity 'The Rainbow Centre'. Ex-library, so some stamps and wear, but in good overall condition. 100% money back guarantee. We are a world class secondhand bookstore based in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom and specialize in high quality textbooks across an enormous variety of subjects. We aim to provide a vast range of textbooks, rare and collectible books at a great price. Our donations to The Rainbow Centre have helped provide an education and a safe haven to hundreds of children who live in appalling conditions. We provide a 100% money back guarantee and are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest standards of service in the bookselling industry.
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The Development of Language: Acquisition, Change, and Evolution
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The Development of Language: Acquisition, Change, and Evolution

by Lightfoot, David

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9780631210603 / 0631210601
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Wiley-Blackwell, 1998. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has soft covers. In good all round condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,300grams, ISBN:9780631210603
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The Development of Language: Acquisition, Change, and Evolution
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The Development of Language: Acquisition, Change, and Evolution

by Lightfoot, David

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Wiley-Blackwell, 1999-01-05. Paperback. Good. 0.9449 in x 8.9764 in x 5.8268 in. 99 May contain highlighting/underlining/notes/etc. May have used stickers on cover. Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed to be included with used books.
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Blackwell/Maryland Lectures in Language and Cognition: The Development of Language: Acquisition,...
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Blackwell/Maryland Lectures in Language and Cognition: The Development of Language: Acquisition, Change, and Evolution (Volume 1)

by Lightfoot, David

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Blackwell, 1999. Volume 1. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has soft covers. In good all round condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,550grams, ISBN:9780631210603
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The Development of Language: Acquisition, Change, and Evolution
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The Development of Language: Acquisition, Change, and Evolution

by Lightfoot, David

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Wiley-Blackwell, 1999-01-05. 1. paperback. Used: Good. 6.10x0.95x9.10. Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.
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The Development of Language: Acquisition, Change, and Evolution
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The Development of Language: Acquisition, Change, and Evolution

by Lightfoot, David

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780631210603 / 0631210601
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Wiley-Blackwell. paperback. Good. 9.5X6.5X1.5. Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.
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Blackwell/Maryland Lectures in Language and Cognition: The Development of Language: Acquisition,...
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Blackwell/Maryland Lectures in Language and Cognition: The Development of Language: Acquisition, Change, and Evolution (Volume 1)

by Lightfoot, D.

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  • Paperback
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Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780631210603 / 0631210601
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Description:
Blackwell, 1999. Volume 1. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has soft covers. Clean from markings. In good all round condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item,600grams, ISBN:9780631210603
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The Development of Language: Acquisition, Change, and Evolution (Blackwell/Maryland Lectures in...
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The Development of Language: Acquisition, Change, and Evolution (Blackwell/Maryland Lectures in Language and Cognition)

by Lightfoot, David

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The Development Of Language
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The Development Of Language

by Lightfoot, David,

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