How and why do languages change over time? Could the way an individual child develops affect aggregate language change? What do the mechanisms of change tell us about the evolution of language in our species?

To answer these questions, David Lightfoot looks closely at young children. A child develops a grammar on exposure to some triggering experience. A small perturbation in the trigger may entail a different grammar in the next population of speakers, with dramatic effects. This "sensitive dependence on initial conditions" is the key to explaining how languages change, and why they change in fits and starts.

The "cue-based" approach to language acquisition presented here is a radical departure from formal models of language learning. Lightfoot challenges conventional understanding by showing that language change is essentially contingent - unpredictable but explainable; and he contests how far natural selection enables us to understand the evolution of the language faculty in the species.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Quality books, speedy shipping, and great customer service! Please note that used items may not include access codes or cards, CD's or other accessories, regardless of what is stated in item title. If you need to guarantee that these items are included, please purchase a brand new copy.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

J2B Holdings, LLC
13770 NOEL RD, #803600, Dallas, TX, 75240, U.S.A.

Terms of Sale:

We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the AbeBooks web
sites. Please note that used items may not include access codes or cards, CD's
or other accessories, regardless of what is stated in item title. If you need to
guarantee that these items are included, please purchase a brand new copy.

All requests for refunds and/or returns will be processed in accordance with
AbeBooks policies. If you're dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not
as Described/Damaged) or if ...

More Information

Shipping Terms:

Books ordered via expedited shipping should arrive between 2 and 7 business days after shipment confirmation. Books ordered via standard shipping should arrive between 4 and 14 business days after shipment confirmation.

Payment Methods
accepted by seller

Add to Wants

Items related to The Development of Language: Acquisition, Change, and...

The Development of Language: Acquisition, Change, and Evolution

Lightfoot, David

New - Soft cover

Seller's business information