MARCH 2022 - AudioFile
Peter Noble narrates as if lecturing, an approach that reflects the tone of the two authors of this audiobook, both scientists. They suggest that language is a game of charades and improvisation, and that the rules of language aren’t as rigid as schooling may have taught us. Noble delivers the stories and theories of the authors, as well as the ideas of numerous scholars who offer their thoughts on language and its multifaceted ways of communicating. Example after example of words being understood in multiple ways are cited. Noble’s tone is clear and firm; his pace is moderately slow. As the authors explore the spontaneity of language, Noble’s narration exhibits the intellectual formality of their tone. T.E.C. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
Eminently readable…The Language Game is itself a beautiful bunch of words and phrases.” —Forbes
“Language was the Promethean fire that ignited the human explosion. Its origin is one of the three great mysteries that still tantalise evolutionary biologists. Christiansen and Chater give a marvellously clear explanation of the problem and a generously fair treatment of rival theories, followed by a lively, even playfully persuasive advocacy of their own solution.”—Richard Dawkins, author of The Selfish Gene
"This book turned everything I thought I knew about language upside down. It's persuasive, full of fascinating details, and an absolute delight to read." —Tim Harford, author of How To Make the World Add Up
"The Language Game is a highly original, convincing story of how humans developed their greatest invention, language. It builds on years of impressive research by Morten Christiansen and Nick Chater and shows language science at its very best. A delight to read, it deserves careful study by anyone interested in the nature, function, and origins of human communication." —Daniel Everett, author of Don’t Sleep, There Are Snakes
"A joyful romp across species and cultures through the ways language is invented and reinvented, peppered with insightful stories you will feel compelled to tell anyone in earshot."
—Barbara Tversky, author of Mind in Motion
MARCH 2022 - AudioFile
Peter Noble narrates as if lecturing, an approach that reflects the tone of the two authors of this audiobook, both scientists. They suggest that language is a game of charades and improvisation, and that the rules of language aren’t as rigid as schooling may have taught us. Noble delivers the stories and theories of the authors, as well as the ideas of numerous scholars who offer their thoughts on language and its multifaceted ways of communicating. Example after example of words being understood in multiple ways are cited. Noble’s tone is clear and firm; his pace is moderately slow. As the authors explore the spontaneity of language, Noble’s narration exhibits the intellectual formality of their tone. T.E.C. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine
