How Long to Read Natural Causes of Language

How Long Does it Take to Read Natural Causes of Language?

It takes the average reader 1 hour and 38 minutes to read Natural Causes of Language by N. J. Enfield

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

What causes a language to be the way it is? Some features are universal, some are inherited, others are borrowed, and yet others are internally innovated. But no matter where a bit of language is from, it will only exist if it has been diffused and kept in circulation through social interaction in the history of a community. This book makes the case that a proper understanding of the ontology of language systems has to be grounded in the causal mechanisms by which linguistic items are socially transmitted, in communicative contexts. A biased transmission model provides a basis for understanding why certain things and not others are likely to develop, spread, and stick in languages. Because bits of language are always parts of systems, we also need to show how it is that items of knowledge and behavior become structured wholes. The book argues that to achieve this, we need to see how causal processes apply in multiple frames or 'time scales' simultaneously, and we need to understand and address each and all of these frames in our work on language. This forces us to confront implications that are not always comfortable: for example, that "a language" is not a real thing but a convenient fiction, that language-internal and language-external processes have a lot in common, and that tree diagrams are poor conceptual tools for understanding the history of languages. By exploring avenues for clear solutions to these problems, this book suggests a conceptual framework for ultimately explaining, in causal terms, what languages are like and why they are like that.

How long is Natural Causes of Language?

Natural Causes of Language by N. J. Enfield is 96 pages long, and a total of 24,576 words.

This makes it 32% the length of the average book. It also has 30% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Natural Causes of Language Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 2 hours and 14 minutes to read Natural Causes of Language aloud.

What Reading Level is Natural Causes of Language?

Natural Causes of Language is suitable for students ages 10 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Natural Causes of Language?

Natural Causes of Language by N. J. Enfield is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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