How can an infinite number of sentences be generated from one human mind? How did language evolve in apes? In this book Donald Loritz addresses these and other fundamental and vexing questions about language, cognition, and the human brain. He starts by tracing how evolution and natural adaptation selected certain features of the brain to perform communication functions, then shows how those features developed into designs for human language. The result - what Loritz calls an adaptive grammar - gives a unified explanation of language in the brain and contradicts directly (and controversially) the theory of innateness proposed by, among others, Chomsky and Pinker.
The Language of Humour: * examines the importance of the social context for humour * explores the issue of gender and humour in areas such as the New Lad culture in comedy and stand-up comedy * includes comic transcripts from TV sketches such as Clive Anderson and Peter Cook
The Language of Politics takes a clear and analytical look at the language used by contemporary politicians. The book begins with an examination of how both politicians and commentators describe political stances. This is followed by an exploration of some of the most common linguistic features to be found in political speeches. Electioneering is examined through various written texts, including manifestos, posters, and pamphlets. A final section looks at how politicians answer questions.
The Language of Drama explores key linguistic topics in a wide range of scripts, including plays, soap operas, and screenplays. Works discussed include Miller's A View from the Bridge and Death of a Salesman, Shepard's Action, Angel City and True West, and Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire.
The Language of Websites: *explores the ways in which websites use and present language *covers many different types of web-based interaction, from buying online and auction sites, to search engines, email links and chatrooms *considers the structures of language online, such as audience interaction and how hypertext alters narrative structure * features a full glossary.
