The Talking Ape

the long version

"In this book, Robbins Burling not only presents the most convincing account of the origins of language yet published: he sheds new light on how language affects the way we think, behave, and relate to each other. He gives us a deeper understanding of the nature of language itself." "The author traces language back to its earliest origins among our distant ape-like forbears several million years ago and charts its growth to the time of our recent human ancestors. He offers a new account of the route by which we acquired our defining characteristic and explores the nature of language as it developed throughout the course of our evolution."--Jacket.