The Unfolding of Language

by Guy Deutscher
The Unfolding of Language cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Language and Linguistics
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  • ID: 3692
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780099460251
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2006-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Unfolding of Language delves into the fascinating world of linguistics, revealing the hidden mechanisms that drive the creation, evolution, and eventual decay of languages. Drawing on cutting-edge research, the author provides fresh insights into how language emerges and transforms over time. This book offers a unique perspective on the intricate processes that underlie human communication, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the science of language. /n/n The author's exploration goes beyond traditional linguistic theories, incorporating recent discoveries to shed light on the elusive forces at work in language development. By examining the patterns and principles that govern language change, the book provides a deeper understanding of how languages adapt and evolve in response to cultural, social, and technological influences. This insightful journey through the world of linguistics is sure to captivate readers and expand their appreciation for the complexity and beauty of human language.

Reviews
WordDreams · 2014-04-04
enthralling 4.50

The book is praised for its engaging and accessible writing style. It offers a unique perspective on language evolution.

The reviewer appreciates the book's engaging and accessible writing style, which makes complex linguistic concepts easy to understand. They find Deutscher's approach to language evolution to be unique and fascinating. The reviewer suggests that the book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in linguistics, offering a fresh perspective on the subject. They also highlight the book's ability to make the study of language evolution both enjoyable and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    A persuasive and beautifully written take on how languages are constantly evolving.

    an enthralling read about human psychology and anthropology as well as linguistics.

    Deutscher's book is a tour de force of linguistic detective work

The Independent · 2005-08-03
fascinating 4.00

The book is illuminating and ends with a strong polemical point about threatened languages. It offers a fascinating look at linguistic change.

The reviewer finds the book to be highly illuminating, particularly in its discussion of linguistic change. They appreciate Deutscher's ability to make complex ideas accessible and engaging. The reviewer also highlights the book's strong conclusion, which focuses on the importance of preserving threatened languages. They suggest that the book is a valuable contribution to the field of linguistics and will appeal to both academics and general readers.

Quick quotes

    Deutscher is illuminating on everything, but he ends with a polemical point.

    It's in the threatened languages of small, preliterate societies that we can see the most dramatic examples of linguistic change.

    Deutscher's book is a tour de force of linguistic detective work

The Guardian · 2005-07-01
illuminating 3.50

The book is praised for its insights into language evolution but criticized for its distracting asides. It offers a deep dive into modern scholarship on language.

The reviewer appreciates the book's comprehensive exploration of language evolution, highlighting its use of modern scholarship. However, they find the book's digressions to be distracting and feel it would be more effective without them. The reviewer suggests that readers interested in language development will find the book valuable despite these distractions. The book's strength lies in its ability to make complex linguistic concepts accessible and engaging.

Quick quotes

    The Unfolding of Language would be a much better book without these arch distractions;

    but for readers who want to know what modern scholarship has to say about language

    Deutscher's book is a tour de force of linguistic detective work

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