Kenneally does an admirable job laying out the foundations of evolutionary linguistics and summarizing current research. It's pleasing to read someone with a background both in linguistics and in journalism, especially when exploring current debate.

I got my copy from a non-linguist. We both enjoyed it enough that I don't think jargon or oversimplification are problems, although an academic background probably helps. I actually think the layout and transitions are reasonably well done, especially while covering such a broad range of research. The chapter headings and the three (!) introductions led me to believe it would be far less organized as a narrative. The entire book could use one more go through editing, however. Personally I'd prefer to see more academic sections, and more concise introductions and summaries.

While I have minor concerns with framing, elaboration, organization, overall I appreciate the work. It's too bad that missing last edit will keep it from reaching a wider audience. I'm most fascinated by the range of reviews either condemning this book for being anti-Chomsky (please, PLEASE can we let go of this binary) or pro-evolution (it's a science book, so...). I guess I'm glad to see people engaging with the topic, however that gets expressed. ( )

Wonderful book. Clearly written, nuanced in how it approaches endlessly complex problems, and facinating in it's ability to synthesize concepts into a presentable whole (as non-whole as the study -- and issues under study -- happen to be.



link to my published notes:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ajf3xhh9wg3z_301hjxspjj6

( )

Not the last word: I enjoyed this book - a great range of anecdotes and examples that helped me to understand much about language that I had not known of before.

While this wasn't the book I expected it to be, it was great. I'd expected something tracing modern languages back to their roots--Italian back to Latin back to that languages's Indo-European roots, etc.
Instead, the author explores various issues that modern linguists are investigating regarding the causes of the human phenomenon of language. Are there one or more genes that are responsible for the development of language? Are there antecedents of language in the animal world?
The book goes into a lot of detail. To be honest, I skimmed over parts of it. But I found it interesting enough to read it all the way through. ( )

An excellent investigation into several theories about the origin of language. Kenneally is excited about the possibilities and it shows. ( )