Talk Talk Talk: Decoding the Mysteries of Speech [Paperback]

Jay Ingram (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1994 | ISBN-10: 0385473834 | ISBN-13: 978-0385473835

A witty and knowledgeable investigation into the sociology and science of talking explores the brain processes responsible for this unique skill, traces the language roots of North America, and discusses the speech differences between Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The ways people listen, communicate, and think are of the greatest importance to Canadian science writer Ingram, who has written a fine introduction to the study of languages and the brain. Ingram describes how people interrupt and signal each other in talking and how brain-damaged patients are observed by scientists to understand language acquisition and use. The physical aspects of speech and the nature of early languages are major parts of the story told by Ingram, who relies on the latest studies to explore children's language skills, ape-language research, and the forms of pidgin and Creole. Ingram uses Noam Chomsky on innate language, Colin Renfrew on the diffusion of early Indo-European, and Julian Jaynes on consciousness to discuss this controversial and difficult subject. A good companion volume to Anthony Burgess's A Mouthful of Air (LJ 8/93).
Gene Shaw, NYPL
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Ingram's survey of recent linguistic research shows that even the simplest forms of baby talk raise profound psychological and social questions. Likewise, the rudimentary types of signing learned by chimpanzees force investigators to reflect upon what constitutes language and upon what role language plays in defining human identity. When linguists shift attention from apes and small children to adult humans, complexities multiply: Why do women seem to talk more than men? How do gestures and changes of pitch shape informal conversation? How much of linguistic proficiency is genetically determined? Because he must abandon the empirical for the speculative in probing prehistory, Ingram can offer few certainties in his discussions of the Neanderthals, the Tower of Babel, or the first languages of Native Americans. These discussions nonetheless do give readers new perspectives on the words they speak and write. Bryce Christensen

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Anchor (July 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385473834
• ISBN-13: 978-0385473835
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,578,467 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Caution: Do not read in public!, September 11, 2000

By 

Alison Irving (Orleans, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Talk Talk Talk: Decoding the Mysteries of Speech (Paperback)

Unless, that is, you have no problem with people shooting you strange looks...

Jay Ingram writes a truly engaging study of language - one which will have you laughing out loud, and others laughing AT you. You will be unable to resist trying out the intricacies of speech Ingram highlights, and when you are caught audibly comparing the sssss to the sssshhhh sounds you'll understand what I mean.

This book had me thoroughly enthralled. Since its scope is so broad, Ingram does not go into enough detail for the book to be inaccessible. Indeed, it will only ignite a curiosity and appreciation for language you never knew you had!