Gesture and the Nature of Language

by David F. Armstrong, William C. Stokoe, Sherman E. Wilcox

This book proposes a radical alternative to dominant views of the evolution of language, in particular the origins of syntax. The authors draw on evidence from areas such as primatology, anthropology, and linguistics to present a groundbreaking account of the notion that language emerged through visible bodily action. Written in a clear and accessible style, Gesture and the Nature of Language will be indispensable reading for all those interested in the origins of language.

Genres: Anthropology, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 1995

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful book on a very specialized area. This was another book that was central to my undergrad thesis. Armstrong is a better writer than McNeil.

[Jan D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A psychology/anthropology/linguistics book on the question how it comes that language has syntax. The authors argue that communicating visually rather than via sound is the key to syntax, since it easily creates obvious noun-verb structures.
The argument is interesting and sound (but I am not a linguist and the ‘origins’ of language are speculation no matter what)
It provides a refreshing alternative to the view of language as linear chain of independent sounds and saussurian semiotics (and leans more towards Pierce). Thus, it is also critical of the dominant paradigm of cognitive science, brains as symbol processors.