Language: Its Nature, Development and Origin by Otto Jespersen

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Author Jespersen, Otto, 1860-1943
Title Language: Its Nature, Development and Origin
Credits Produced by Henry Flower and the Online Distributed
Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
produced from images generously made available by The
Internet Archive/American Libraries.)
Summary "Language: Its Nature, Development and Origin" by Otto Jespersen is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the complexities of language, discussing its historical evolution and its fundamental nature as a human construct. Jespersen aims to provide insights into how languages develop over time and the role of individuals and societies in shaping their use. The opening of the book introduces the foundational concepts of linguistic science, emphasizing the importance of viewing language as a dynamic system that evolves rather than a static entity. Jespersen critiques metaphorical interpretations of language, asserting it is a function of human social activity rather than a living organism. He outlines his approach to studying language development, including insights into how a child learns their mother tongue and the influence of foreign languages and individuals on the evolution of speech. Jespersen highlights historical perspectives and previous linguists' contributions, setting the stage for a thorough exploration of the historical and biological dimensions of language development. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class P: Language and Literatures
Subject Language and languages
Category Text
EBook-No. 53038
Release Date
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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