This book is a history of human speech from prehistory to the present. It charts the rise of some languages and the fall of others, explaining why some survive and others die. It shows how languages change their sounds and meanings, and how the history of languages is closely linked to the history of peoples. Writing in a lively, readable style, distinguished Swedish scholar Tore Janson makes no assumptions about previous knowledge. He takes the reader on a voyage of exploration through the changing patterns of the world's ...
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This book is a history of human speech from prehistory to the present. It charts the rise of some languages and the fall of others, explaining why some survive and others die. It shows how languages change their sounds and meanings, and how the history of languages is closely linked to the history of peoples. Writing in a lively, readable style, distinguished Swedish scholar Tore Janson makes no assumptions about previous knowledge. He takes the reader on a voyage of exploration through the changing patterns of the world's languages, from ancient China to ancient Egypt, imperial Rome to imperial Britain, Sappho's Lesbos to contemporary Africa. He discovers the links between the histories of societies and their languages; he shows how language evolved from primitive calls; he considers the question of whether one language can be more advanced than another. The author describes the history of writing and looks at the impact of changing technology. He ends by assessing the prospects for English world domination and predicting the languages of the distant future. Five historical maps illustrate this fascinating history of our defining characteristic and most valuable asset.
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Add this copy of Speak: a Short History of Languages to cart. $7.99, good condition, Sold by Friends of the Phoenix Library rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Phoenix, AZ, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Oxford University Press.
Add this copy of Speak: a Short History of Languages to cart. $14.04, good condition, Sold by Reuseabook rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Gloucester, GLOS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2002 by OUP Oxford.
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Seller's Description:
Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover.
Add this copy of Speak: a Short History of Languages to cart. $14.06, very good condition, Sold by Reuseabook rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Gloucester, GLOS, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2002 by OUP Oxford.
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Seller's Description:
Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. Though second-hand, the book is still in very good shape. Minimal signs of usage may include very minor creasing on the cover or on the spine.
Add this copy of Speak: a Short History of Language to cart. $15.28, very good condition, Sold by Roger Lucas rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Horncastle, Lincs, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2002 by Oxford University Press.
Add this copy of Speak: a Short History of Languages to cart. $26.24, good condition, Sold by Anybook rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Lincoln, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2002 by Oxford University Press.
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Seller's Description:
This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. Clean from markings. In good all round condition. Dust jacket in good condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 400grams, ISBN: 9780198299783.
Add this copy of Speak: a Short History of Languages to cart. $30.13, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Clarita, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Oxford University Press.
Add this copy of Speak: a Short History of Languages to cart. $36.00, new condition, Sold by Basement Seller 101 rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Cincinnati, OH, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Oxford University Press.
Add this copy of Speak: a Short History of Languages to cart. $44.58, new condition, Sold by Just one more Chapter rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Miramar, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Oxford University Press.
Add this copy of Speak: a Short History of Languages to cart. $79.90, new condition, Sold by GridFreed rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from North Las Vegas, NV, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Oxford University Press.
