Spoken language doesn't leave a trace archaeologists can uncover, and because of that if you want to explain how language got started and evolved what remains is to prove if a certain theory holds together when questioned against current knowledge about evolution. Burlings makes it very clear that he deals in hypotheses but he puts a great deal of effort in showing strengths and weaknesses both, in his own theories and other's equally.

The result is a valid working hypothesis for how language evolved.

I do think he misses some points, but on a larger scale those are not important.

For those interested in the subject the book is well worth the effort.

I have written a more extensive review here - http://reconsidering.wordpress.com/2009/10/03/review-the-talking-ape-how-languag... ( )

Although certainly not the last word on the subject, it is a must read for anyone interested in language's evolving -- and isn't everyone interested? ( )