Full Description
Nonverbal Steps to the Origins of Language examines the origin and development of human language through the seemingly paradoxical lens of nonverbal communication. Taking an evolutionary stance, it identifies and explores 15 sequential nonverbal steps that cumulatively enabled modern linguistic communication in Homo sapiens.
Each step examines how human communication has evolved over time, detailing the changes that occurred at each developmental stage and their corresponding roles in gestured and spoken language. While following an evolutionary timeline, the book contextualizes these developments within modern discourse on topics such as linguistics, physiology and brain development. The authors introduce the innovative "Language Superimposition Theory" (LST), proposing that human language—in both its vocal and gestural forms—was superimposed upon an older, preexisting nonverbal medium. This theoretical framework challenges conventional understanding of language origins by elevating nonverbal communication from its traditionally neglected status.
Exploring diverse topics including chemical messaging, audio-visual messaging, emotional signaling, binocular vision, facial expressions, pointing behaviors, object manipulation, ancient tool-making, and food sharing, this fascinating intellectual journey is a must-read for students of nonverbal communication from psychology, linguistics and anthropology backgrounds.
Contents
Acknowledgement Prologue Chapter 1: Step 1 (3.7 billion years ago): Chemical Messages—"I am Here" Chapter 2: Step 2 (500 million years ago) Vertebrate Messages—"I am Here" (Advent of "I" / "me") Chapter 3: Step 3 (500 million years ago) Vertebrate Messages—"You are There" (advent of "You") Chapter 4: Step 4 (150 million years ago): Mammalian Emotion Chapter 5: Step 5 (150 million years ago): Mammalian Acrobatic Tongue Chapter 6: Step 6 (65 million years ago): Primate Binocular Vision Chapter 7: Step 7 (65 million years ago): Primate Grasping Hands Chapter 8: Step 8 (65 million years ago): Primate Dexterous Lips Chapter 9: Step 9 (35-40 million years ago): Higher Primate Facial Communication Chapter 10: Step 10 (24 million years ago): Primate Food Sharing Chapter 11: Step 11 (2.6 million years ago): Human Tool Making Chapter 12: Step 12 (1.9 million years ago): Object Fancy Chapter 13: Step 13 (1.9 million years ago): Pointing—"It is there" (Advent of "That") Chapter 14: Step 14 (1.9 million years ago): Human Cranial Capacity Increase Chapter 15: Step 15 (200 thousand years ago): Sonorous Human Larynx Chapter 16: Conclusion: Language Migration, Visual to Vocal Epilogue Index
