From Hand to Mouth: The Origins of Language

(Paperback)

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The notion that language evolved not from animal cries but from manual and facial gestures has been around since Condillac. Marshalling far-flung evidence from anthropology, animal behaviour, neurology, molecular biology, anatomy, linguistics and evolutionary psychology, Michael Corbalis makes the case that language developed, with the emergence of Homo sapiens, from the primate gestures to a true signed language, complete with grammar and syntax and at best punctuated with grunts and other vocalizations. While vocal utterance played an increaingly important complementary role, autonomous speech did not appear until about 50,000 years ago - much later than generally believed. Corbalis explains in detail what we now know about such varied subjects as early hominid evolution, modern signed languages and the causes of left-handedness.

Reviews

"Provocative... The gestural theory makes for a captivating story."--Emily Eakin, New York Times "From Hand to Mouth is informative and entertaining... [It] will raise awareness about the importance of gestures and the crucial role they play in communicative interactions."--Dario Maestripieri, American Scientist "Corballis makes the case that the evolutionary origins of language are in gestures rather than in speech... An engaging story."--Choice "An engaging, highly readable and provocative account of the evolution of human language... In short, this is an important book on an important topic... From Hand to Mouth should be studied by everyone with a serious interest in the origins of language and read by others who want an evolutionary account that is as entertaining as it is informative."--Joseph B. Hellige, Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society

Author Bio

Michael C. Corballis is Professor of Psychology and a member of the Research Center for Cognitive Science at the University of Auckland. He is the author of three books, including "The Lopsided Ape", and coeditor of "The Descent of Mind". His work has appeared in "Science","Nature", Scientific American", and "American Scientist".