Constructing a Language
Language: English
Published by Harvard University Press, 2005
- Softcover
- New

Seller: Ria Christie Collections, Uxbridge, United KingdomRia Christie Collections
AbeBooks seller since March 25, 2015
Condition: New
US$ 47.85
Quantity: 6 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
Seller Inventory # ria9780674017641_new
- Title
- Constructing a Language
- Author
- Tomasello
- Publisher
- Harvard University Press
- Publication year
- 2005
- Condition
- New
- Binding
- Soft cover
- Language
- English
- ISBN 10
- 0674017641
- ISBN 13
- 9780674017641
In this groundbreaking book, Michael Tomasello presents a comprehensive usage-based theory of language acquisition. Drawing together a vast body of empirical research in cognitive science, linguistics, and developmental psychology, Tomasello demonstrates that we don’t need a self-contained “language instinct” to explain how children learn language. Their linguistic ability is interwoven with other cognitive abilities.
Tomasello argues that the essence of language is its symbolic dimension, which rests on the uniquely human ability to comprehend intention. Grammar emerges as the speakers of a language create linguistic constructions out of recurring sequences of symbols; children pick up these patterns in the buzz of words they hear around them.
All theories of language acquisition assume these fundamental skills of intention-reading and pattern-finding. Some formal linguistic theories posit a second set of acquisition processes to connect somehow with an innate universal grammar. But these extra processes, Tomasello argues, are completely unnecessary―important to save a theory but not to explain the phenomenon.
For all its empirical weaknesses, Chomskian generative grammar has ruled the linguistic world for forty years. Constructing a Language offers a compellingly argued, psychologically sound new vision for the study of language acquisition.
"Synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
About the Author
"About the title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Ria Christie Collections
Uxbridge, United Kingdom
AbeBooks seller since March 25, 2015
Shipping rates from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
| Item | 6 to 12 business days | 6 to 12 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | US$ 16.19 | US$ 16.19 |
Payment methods
Store description
Specialty
Educational books, Textbooks, Fiction, Non- fictionSeller's business information
Ryefield Investments Limited
175 Pield Heath Road
Uxbridge, United Kingdom UB8 3NL
Terms of sale
All Returns and Refund are as per Abebooks policies.
Shipping terms
Orders usually ship within 2 business days. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required. Thank you!