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Constructing a language: a usage-based theory of language acquisition
Abstract
Drawing together a vast body of empirical research in cognitive science, linguistics, and developmental psychology, Michael Tomasello demonstrates that we don't need a self-contained instinct to explain how children learn language. Their linguistic ability is interwoven with other cognitive abilities. Tomasello argues that the essence of language is its symbolic dimension, which rests on the uniquely human ability to comprehend intention. Grammar emerges as the speakers of a language create linguistic constructions out of recurring sequences of symbols, children pick up these patterns in the buzz of words they hear around them. Constructing a Language offers a compellingly argued, psychologically sound new vision for the study of language acquisition.
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Citations
Cited by
Barsalou, L. W. (2008) · Annual Review of Psychology · doi:10.1146/annurev.psych.59.103006.093639 · Cited by 5,936
Bybee, J. (2010) · doi:10.1017/cbo9780511750526 · Cited by 3,488
Toward a mechanistic psychology of dialogue.
Pickering, M. J., & Garrod, S. (2004) · Behavioral and Brain Sciences · doi:10.1017/s0140525x04000056 · Cited by 2,678
How social contexts support and shape language development☆
HOFF, E. (2006) · Developmental Review · doi:10.1016/j.dr.2005.11.002 · Cited by 1,853
Constructions: A new theoretical approach to language
Goldberg, A. E. (2003) · Trends in Cognitive Sciences · doi:10.1016/s1364-6613(03)00080-9 · Cited by 1,812
Metadata
- Venue
- Choice Reviews Online
- Publisher
- American Library Association
- Published
- 2003-11-01
- Volume
- 41
- Issue
- 03
- Pages
- 41-1385-41-1385
- ISSN
- 0009-4978 (ISSN-L)
- 1523-8253
- OpenAlex
- W2168488947
- Cited by
- 4,458
- References
- 0
- Type
- book review
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
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