This book proposes a new theory of the origins of human language ability and presents an original account of the early evolution of language. It explains why humans are the only language-using animals, challenges the assumption that language is a consequence of intelligence, and offers a new perspective on human uniqueness. Brilliantly executed, this book draws on evidence from archaeology, linguistics, cognitive science and evolutionary biology.

• 1: Introduction


• 2: The peculiarities of language


• 3: Truth and reference


• 4: Attempts to solve the problems


• 5: A different solution


• 6: Apes, anthropology, and the brain


• 7: Just how unique are we?


• Appendix


• Further reading


• References


• Index