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Language: The Cultural Tool
368 pages, 2012
psychology
705 booksFor years, the prevailing opinion among academics has been that language is embedded in our genes, existing as an innate and instinctual part of us. In this bold and provocative study, linguist Daniel Everett argues that, like other tools, language was invented by humans and can be reinvented or lost.
He shows how the evolution of different language forms—that is, different grammar—reflects how language is influenced by human societies and experiences, and how it expresses their great variety. Combining anthropology, primatology, computer science, philosophy, linguistics, psychology, and his own pioneering research with the Amazonian Pirahã, and using insights from many languages and cultures, Everett presents an unprecedented elucidation of this society-defined nature of language. In doing so, he also gives us a new understanding of how we think and who we are.
Daniel Everett explores the idea that language is not a universal instinct but a cultural tool. He argues that our ability to communicate is not innate but learned, much like how we learn to use a fork or a computer. This perspective challenges the traditional view of language as an inherent human trait.
Everett digs into the role of culture in shaping language. He suggests that the way we speak and the words we use are heavily influenced by our cultural background. This means that language is not just a tool for communication, but also a reflection of our identity and way of life.
In 'Language: The Cultural Tool', Everett emphasizes the importance of context in understanding language. He shows that the meaning of words and phrases can change dramatically depending on the situation. So, if you want to truly understand a language, you need to look at it in its cultural and social context.
Everett also explores the relationship between language and thought. He argues that the language we speak can shape the way we think and perceive the world. This idea, known as linguistic relativity, suggests that learning a new language can actually change your mindset.
Everett takes a look at how languages evolve over time. He finds that languages change and adapt in response to cultural shifts and societal needs. This means that language is not a static entity, but a dynamic tool that evolves along with us.