Voices of Man - The Meaning and Function of Language

by Mario Andrew Pei

Originally published in 1964, this book examines where and how the pattern and texture of speech emerged and whether language is logical. It looks at linguistics from both the historical and descriptive points of view, as a physical science and as a social science. It also discusses the problem of aesthetics in language and what happens when different languages come into contact with each other. The book concludes with a discussion of the possibility of an international language, and indeed whether such a development would be progress or something that is needed or wanted.

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1962

About the author

Mario Pei was Professor of Romance Languages at Columbia University.