Language Myth

Language and Its Role in Human Life

Language is central to our lives, the cultural tool that arguably sets us apart from other species. Some scientists have argued that language is innate, a type of unique human instinct pre-programmed in us from birth.

Vyvyan Evans' Perspective

In this book, Vyvyan Evans argues that this received wisdom is, in fact, a myth. Debunking the notion of a language instinct, Evans demonstrates that language is related to other animal forms of communication; that languages exhibit staggering diversity; that we learn our mother tongue drawing on general properties and abilities of the human mind, rather than an inborn universal grammar; that language is not autonomous but is closely related to other aspects of our mental lives; and that, ultimately, language and the mind reflect and draw upon the way we interact with others in the world.

The Significance of The Language Myth

Compellingly written and drawing on cutting-edge research, The Language Myth sets out a forceful alternative to the received wisdom, showing how language and the mind really work.