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Language is central to our lives, the cultural tool that arguably sets us apart from other species. Some scientists have argued that language is innate, a type of unique human ´instinct´ pre-programmed in us from birth. In this book, Vyvyan Evans argues that this received wisdom is, in fact, a myth. Debunking the notion of a language ´instinct´, Evans demonstrates that language is related to other animal forms of communication; that languages exhibit staggering diversity; that we learn our mother tongue drawing on general properties and abilities of the human mind, rather than an inborn ´universal´ grammar; that language is not autonomous but is closely related to other aspects of our mental lives; and that, ultimately, language and the mind reflect and draw upon the way we interact with others in the world. Compellingly written and drawing on cutting-edge research, The Language Myth sets out a forceful alternative to the received wisdom, showing how language and the mind really work.

A lively and accessible book, with many engaging examples which will appeal to a broad readership
Compellingly written, this book sets out a forceful alternative to the received wisdom, showing how language and the mind really work
Drawing on cutting-edge research, Evans explores a more realistic alternative to the notion of a language ´instinct´



Acknowledgements
1. Language and mind rethought
2. Is human language unrelated to animal communication systems?
3. Are there language universals?
4. Is language innate?
5. Is language a distinct module in the mind?
6. Is there a universal Mentalese?
7. Is thought independent of language?
8. Language and mind regained.