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From Sounds to Speech: A Human Discovery

  • William Noble
  • , Iain Davidson

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterOther

    Abstract

    Language is a system of symbols, consisting of either visible patterns (such as written or sign language) or audible sounds (such as speech), which represent things other than themselves. Not all visible patterns or audible signs, of course, amount to language. Those who make and perceive these signs must know what they represent, so the signs must be both consistent and easily recognizable. For example, all people who understand and recognize the English word cat can relate it to the domestic animal. But, while language must be used consistently, in another sense it is arbitrary: the written or spoken word cat bears no resemblance to the animal it refers to.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationThe First humans: human origins and history to 10,000 BC
    EditorsGöran Burenhult
    Place of PublicationSt Lucia, Australia
    PublisherUniversity of Queensland Press
    Pages22-22
    Volume1
    ISBN (Print)9780702226762, 0702226769
    Publication statusPublished - 1993

    Publication series

    NameIllustrated History of Humankind

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