TY  - BOOK
AU  - Sapir,Edward
TI  - Language: An Introduction to the Study of Speech
AV  - P 
PY  - 2004///
CY  - Salt Lake City, UT
PB  - Project Gutenberg
KW  - Language and languages
N1  - Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Language:_An_Introduction_to_the_Study_of_Speech; Release date is 2004-06-01; Produced by Juliet Sutherland, Ben Beasley and PG Distributed
Proofreaders; Original publication data not identified
N2  - "Language: An Introduction to the Study of Speech" by Edward Sapir is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century. The work provides a comprehensive exploration of language, emphasizing its nature as a cultural phenomenon rather than a biological instinct. Sapir aims to describe language's variability and its relationship with fundamental human interests like thought, culture, and art, laying a foundational perspective for both linguistic students and the general public.  The opening of the book establishes its purpose and framework, as Sapir outlines his view that language is a culturally learned and variable system of symbols for communication, distinct from instinctive vocal expressions. He argues against theories that posit language's origins in interjections or sound imitation, asserting that language is primarily a human construct shaped by social traditions. Sapir contrasts language acquisition with the biological process of learning to walk, highlighting the critical role of societal interaction in developing linguistic abilities. He sets the stage for a deeper investigation into language's structures, elements, and their psychological and cultural implications as the book progresses. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
UR  - https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12629
ER  -