Language and Human Behavior – Derek Bickerton – 1996
Language and Human Behavior: A Cultural Exploration
Derek Bickerton’s Language and Human Behavior examines the intricate relationship between language, cognition, and the development of human social structures. The author posits that language is not merely a tool for communication, but a fundamental force shaping our perception of the world, our capacity for abstract thought, and the very structure of our societies. Bickerton delves into the origins of language, exploring the biological predispositions that allowed for its emergence, and the subsequent cultural evolution that diversified linguistic systems.
Historical / Cultural Context
Published in 1996, this work arrives at a point where linguistic studies were beginning to grapple more directly with cognitive science and evolutionary psychology. Prior to this period, structuralist linguistics (Saussure, Levi-Strauss) dominated, emphasizing the internal rules of language, while Chomsky’s generative grammar focused on the innate linguistic capacity. Bickerton’s contribution moves beyond these frameworks, arguing for a more integrated view that accounts for both biological and cultural factors. He addresses the ‘nativity’ debate – how much of language is innate and how much is learned – by proposing that humans possess a ‘protolanguage’ capacity, a basic system of communication that, through social interaction and cultural transmission, developed into the complex languages we know today. This builds upon earlier work by scholars like Noam Chomsky, but attempts to reconcile it with observable variation across cultures and the archaeological evidence regarding human cognitive development.
Who This Book Is For
This book is best suited for readers with a background in linguistics, psychology, anthropology, or philosophy. While not requiring advanced mathematical or technical expertise, a pre-existing interest in the cognitive sciences is helpful. It is also of interest to those curious about the broader implications of language for understanding human nature and social organization. It caters to academic interest and those with a strong cultural curiosity related to the development of thought.
Further Reading
- Noam Chomsky, Syntactic Structures (1957): A foundational text in modern linguistics, outlining the theory of generative grammar.
- Steven Pinker, The Language Instinct (1994): A popular science account of the innate capacity for language.
- Daniel Dennett, Consciousness Explained (1991): A work that explores the intersection of mind, brain, and consciousness, providing a broader context for understanding cognitive processes.
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