Language, Bananas and Bonobos: Linguistic Problems, Puzzles and Polemics

by Neilson Voyne Smith

Language, Bananas, and Bonobos presents a series of engaging reflections on concerns such as our knowledge and use of language, political correctness, and the linguistic abilities of chimpanzees. In doing so, this volume provides new insights into linguistics that are of universal interest.

Genres: Language

159 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2001

About the author

Neilson Voyne Smith is the Emeritus Professor of Linguistics at University College London and a Fellow of the British Academy. Variously credited as 'N.V. Smith', 'N. Smith', 'Neilson Smith', 'Neilson V. Smith', and 'Neil V. Smith', but most commonly 'Neil Smith'.

Reviews

[Angel 一匹狼 · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting compilation of short articles around language and humans, but with no particular depth or surprising moments. If you are interested in the topic, it may be a good option to read (it is quite short, also, so you won't fall asleep reading it; probably).

The best: language and humans are always a fascinating combination

The worst: no particular depth

Alternatives: Rorty? Yes, I will get to Chomsky soon

6.5/10

(Original English)

[Alison · Rating 1 out of 5]

Each essay in this book felt like a restatement of the last.