The language instinct 1994, how the mind works 1997, words and rules 2000, the blank. Language as a window into human nature, to which he liberally refers. How the mind creates language 9780688121419 by pinker, steven and a great selection of similar new, used and collectible books available now at great prices. It certainly is not a true instinct, for every language has to be learned. Pinkers book is a beautiful hymn to the infinite creative potential of language. Pinker is the author of several nonfiction bestsellers including. The language instinct received the william james book prize from the american psychological association and the public interest award from the linguistics. Buy the language instinct 1st by pinker, steven isbn. Free download or read online the language instinct. The language instinct by steven pinker, allen lanepenguin press pounds 20. A brilliant, witty, and altogether satisfying book. Pinker feels that the language instinct is similar to the human eye in that it has the appearance of design. In the language instinct, steven pinker, one of the worlds leading scientists of. Pinker thinks he was right about most everything in 1994 and doesnt feel the need to change much.
He deals sympathetically with noam chomskys claim that all human language shows evidence of a universal grammar, but dissents from chomskys skepticism that evolutionary theory can explain the human language instinct. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. The language instinct is a 1994 book by steven pinker, written for a general audience. In his landmark book stephen pinker shows how language is part of our. In other words, the eye, for human beings, is a tool engineered with a very specific purpose. The classic book on the development of human language by the worlds. Pinker argues that humans are born with an innate capacity for language. With deft use of examples of humor and wordplay, steven pinker weaves our vast knowledge of language into a compelling story. He has updated and elaborated numerous things in two later language books, words and rules. As in all matters, his observations are uncannily modern. The ingredients of language and the stuff of thought. The author of the language instinct, the blank slate and, most recently, the sense of style. The book was published in multiple languages including english, consists of 448 pages and is available in paperback format.