List of illustrations -- List of tables -- Preface -- 1. An evolutionary approach to the origin of mind -- 2. The common ancestor of humans and other apes -- 3. Symbols and their significance -- 4. Constructing 'the mind' -- 5. Communication, perception and symbol use: the place of meaning -- 6. The early signs of meaning in prehistoric behaviour -- 7. Behaviour that led to language: Nariokotome to Neanderthal -- 8. The origin of symbol-making -- References -- Index
Summary
This book argues that the capacity to use signs in a symbolic way, identified by the authors as language, is the basis for behaviour that can be described as human. It investigates the significance of the emergence of linguistic behaviour
Analysis
Human evolution
Language and languages
Linguistic change
Psycholinguistics
Signs and symbols
Notes
Bibliography; p. 228-265; Includes index and tables
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 228-265) and index
