Title
The Power Of Babel: A Natural History Of Language
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There Are Approximately 6000 Languages On Earth Today, The Descendants Of The Tongue First Spoken By Homo Sapiens Some 150,000 Years Ago. How Did They All Develop? What Happened To The First Language?In This Irreverent Romp Through Territory Too Often Claimed By Stodgy Grammarians, 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. While Laying Out How Languages Mix And Mutate Over Time, He 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 Everchanging Human Environment.Full Of Humor And Imaginative Insight, The Power Of Babel Draws Its Examples From Languages Around The World, Including Pidgins, Creoles, Patois And Nonstandard Dialects. Mcwhorter Also Discusses Current Theories On What The First Language Might Have Been Like, Why Dialects Should Not Be Considered Bad Speech And Why Most Of Today'S Languages Will Be Extinct In 100 Years.The First Book Written For The Layperson About The Natural History Of Language, Power Of Babel Is A Dazzling Tour De Force That Will Leave Readers Anything But Speechless.
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- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book has three hundred thirty-six pages. This length makes it a comprehensive read on the history of language.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This book is a hardcover edition. The hardcover binding adds durability and a premium feel for readers.
- Q: Who is the author of 'The Power of Babel'? A: The author is John McWhorter. He is a renowned linguist known for his engaging writing style.
- Q: What is the size of the book? A: The book measures six point twenty-four inches in length, one point twenty inches in width, and nine point sixty-two inches in height. This size makes it portable and easy to handle.
- Q: What genre does 'The Power of Babel' belong to? A: This book belongs to the genre of Instruction. It's designed to educate readers about the natural history of language.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners in linguistics? A: Yes, the book is suitable for beginners. It is written for the layperson and avoids technical jargon.
- Q: What themes are covered in 'The Power of Babel'? A: The book covers themes of language evolution, linguistic theory, and cultural influences on language. It provides a broad understanding of how languages develop.
- Q: How does McWhorter explain language evolution? A: McWhorter explains language evolution through comparisons to biological evolution. He discusses how languages mix and mutate over time.
- Q: Does the book discuss dialects? A: Yes, the book discusses dialects and argues they should not be considered 'bad speech'. It highlights the richness of language diversity.
- Q: How should I care for this hardcover book? A: To care for the hardcover book, keep it in a dry environment and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. This will help preserve its condition.
- Q: Is this book safe for children? A: Yes, the book is safe for older children. However, parental discretion is advised as it covers complex themes.
- Q: What if my book arrives damaged? A: If your book arrives damaged, contact the retailer for a return or replacement policy. Most retailers have customer service for such issues.
- Q: Can I read this book in a single sitting? A: Yes, you can read this book in a single sitting, depending on your reading speed. It offers an engaging narrative that may keep you captivated.
- Q: What is the publishing brand of this book? A: The publishing brand of this book is W. H. Freeman. They are known for quality educational materials.
- Q: Are there any illustrations in the book? A: No, the book does not focus on illustrations but rather on textual information about language history. It emphasizes narrative and theory.
- Q: What makes this book unique compared to other language books? A: This book is unique because it combines humor with serious linguistic insight. It presents language history in an accessible and entertaining way.