Overview

The notion that language evolved not from animal cries but from manual and facial gestures has been around since Condillac. Marshalling far-flung evidence from anthropology, animal behaviour, neurology, molecular biology, anatomy, linguistics and evolutionary psychology, Michael Corbalis makes the case that language developed, with the emergence of Homo sapiens, from the primate gestures to a true signed language, complete with grammar and syntax and at best punctuated with grunts and other vocalizations. While vocal utterance played an increaingly important complementary role, autonomous speech did not appear until about 50,000 years ago - much later than generally believed. Corbalis explains in detail what we now know about such varied subjects as early hominid evolution, modern signed languages and the causes of left-handedness.

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9780691116730

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Provocative... The gestural theory makes for a captivating story. -- Emily Eakin, New York Times From Hand to Mouth is informative and entertaining... [It] will raise awareness about the importance of gestures and the crucial role they play in communicative interactions. -- Dario Maestripieri, American Scientist Corballis makes the case that the evolutionary origins of language are in gestures rather than in speech... An engaging story. -- Choice An engaging, highly readable and provocative account of the evolution of human language... In short, this is an important book on an important topic... From Hand to Mouth should be studied by everyone with a serious interest in the origins of language and read by others who want an evolutionary account that is as entertaining as it is informative. -- Joseph B. Hellige, Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society

Provocative... The gestural theory makes for a captivating story. -- Emily Eakin New York Times From Hand to Mouth is informative and entertaining... [It] will raise awareness about the importance of gestures and the crucial role they play in communicative interactions. -- Dario Maestripieri American Scientist Corballis makes the case that the evolutionary origins of language are in gestures rather than in speech... An engaging story. Choice An engaging, highly readable and provocative account of the evolution of human language... In short, this is an important book on an important topic... From Hand to Mouth should be studied by everyone with a serious interest in the origins of language and read by others who want an evolutionary account that is as entertaining as it is informative. -- Joseph B. Hellige Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society

Provocative... The gestural theory makes for a captivating story. --Emily Eakin, New York Times From Hand to Mouth is informative and entertaining... [It] will raise awareness about the importance of gestures and the crucial role they play in communicative interactions. --Dario Maestripieri, American Scientist Corballis makes the case that the evolutionary origins of language are in gestures rather than in speech... An engaging story. --Choice An engaging, highly readable and provocative account of the evolution of human language... In short, this is an important book on an important topic... From Hand to Mouth should be studied by everyone with a serious interest in the origins of language and read by others who want an evolutionary account that is as entertaining as it is informative. --Joseph B. Hellige, Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society

Author Information

Michael C. Corballis (19362021) was professor emeritus of psychology at the University of Auckland. His books include The Recursive Mind: The Origins of Human Language, Thought, and Civilization (Princeton) and A Very Short Tour of the Mind: 21 Short Walks around the Human Brain.

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