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“An essay in origins … as theoretical as Hawking and Gorst in trying to see into the deep past. McWhorter is a clear and witty writer.”— Harper’s
In the first book written for the layperson about the natural history of language, linguistic professor John McWhorter ranges across linguistic theory, geography, history, and pop culture to tell the fascinating story of how thousands of very different languages have evolved from a single, original source in a natural process similar to biological evolution.
There are approximately six thousand languages on Earth today, each a descendant of the tongue first spoken by Homo sapiens some 150,000 years ago. While laying out how languages mix and mutate over time, linguistics professor John McWhorter reminds us of the variety within the species that speaks them, and argues that, contrary to popular perception, language is not immutable and hidebound, but a living, dynamic entity that adapts itself to an ever-changing human environment. Full of humor and imaginative insight, The Power of Babel draws its illustrative examples from languages around the world, including pidgins, Creoles, and nonstandard dialects.
Publisher : Harper Perennial; Softcover Edition (January 1, 2003)
Language : English
Paperback : 352 pages
ISBN-10 : 006052085X
ISBN-13 : 978-0060520854
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 5.31 x 0.79 x 8 inches
Customers say
Customers find the book provides ample examples of how languages change over time, making it an excellent introduction to the subject of linguistics. Moreover, they appreciate its conversational writing style, humor, and value for money. However, the language study aspect receives mixed feedback, with some finding it well-written while others consider it almost too difficult to read. Additionally, the pop culture references receive negative feedback, with one customer noting they have dated terribly.
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