**Part passionate memoir, part scientific exploration, a life-changing tale set among a small tribe of Amazonian Indians in Brazil that offers a riveting look into the nature of language, thought, and life itself."Immensely interesting and deeply moving.... One of the best books I have read."—Lucy Dodwell, New Scientist**A riveting account of the astonishing experiences and discoveries made by linguist Daniel Everett while he lived with the Pirahã, a small tribe of Amazonia...

Daniel Everett, then a Christian missionary, arrived among the Pirahã in 1977—with his wife and three young children—intending to convert them. What he found was a language that defies all existing linguistic theories and reflects a way of life that evades contemporary understanding: The Pirahã have no counting system and no fixed terms for color. They have no concept of war or of personal property. They live entirely in the present. Everett became obsessed with their language and its cult...

A bold and provocative study that presents language not as an innate component of the brain—as most linguists do—but as an essential tool unique to each culture worldwide.For years, the prevailing opinion among academics has been that language is embedded in our genes, existing as an innate and instinctual part of us. But linguist Daniel Everett argues that, like other tools, language was invented by humans and can be reinvented or lost. He shows how the evolution of different lang...

From a linguist and anthropologist, "a fascinating argument" about culture, cognition, and the concept of human nature ( Choice).Is it in our nature to be altruistic, or evil, to make art, use tools, or create language? Is it in our nature to think in any particular way? For Daniel L. Everett, the answer is a resounding no: it isn't in our nature to do any of these things because human nature does not exist—at least not as we usually think of it. Flying in ...

A Buzzfeed Gift Guide Selection“Few books on the biological and cultural origin of humanity can be ranked as classics. I believe [this] will be one of them.” — Edward O. WilsonAt the time of its publication, How Language Began received high acclaim for capturing the fascinating history of mankind’s most incredible creation. Deemed a “bombshell” linguist and “instant folk hero” by Tom Wolfe (Harper’s), Daniel L. Everett pos...

This is the first major study of any Chapakuran language and makes an important contribution to linguistic theory. This study is especially timely as the Chapakuran languages of Western Brazil and Eastern Bolivia are endangered, and less than 2,000 known speakers of Wari and its related dialects are left in existence.

Mankind has a distinct advantage over other terrestrial species: we talk to one another. But how did we acquire the most advanced form of communication on Earth? Daniel L. Everett, a "bombshell" linguist and "instant folk hero" (Tom Wolfe, Harper's), provides in this sweeping history a comprehensive examination of the evolutionary story of language, from the earliest speaking attempts by hominids to the more than seven thousand languages that exist today.Although fossil hu...

A handy beginner's guide, this textbook introduces the various stages of linguistic fieldwork, from the preparation of the work to the presentation of the results. Drawing on over forty years of fieldwork experience between them, in over two dozen languages, the authors pack the book with examples and anecdotes from their experiences and include practical exercises for students to test what they have learned. Independent of any particular perspective, the methods can be applied to a wide r...

Discover True Clarity Amidst the ChaosIn a world brimming with constant noise and distractions, finding clarity can feel like chasing a fleeting dream. "Awakened: Finding Clarity in a Noisy World" offers you a transformative path towards rediscovering peace and purpose amidst the chaos of modern life.Immerse yourself in a journey that begins with understanding the true essence of clarity and the profound impact of living mindfully. Each chapter serves as a beacon, guiding y...

Step Confidently Into an Exciting Digital FutureAre you ready to redefine success on your own terms and embrace the boundless possibilities of the online world? This comprehensive guide is crafted specifically for those embarking on a new chapter after 50, proving that age is no barrier to achieving meaningful online income and personal fulfillment. Through relatable stories, practical strategies, and step-by-step guidance, you'll discover how to transform your lifetime of experien...

Every purpose begins with a process.From the streets of early struggle to the weight of leadership, The Process: In Purpose On Purpose tells the powerful journey of Daniel J. Dockery — a life marked by failure, redemption, and a calling too great to ignore.Through raw honesty and biblical truth, Dockery shares the battles that nearly broke him, the moments of grace that saved him, and the seasons of testing that shaped him into a servant leader. Each chapter reveals how God...

You’ve never heard of Roman Ganzha. But if you lived or worked in America between 1997 and 2016, there’s a good chance he stole from you.The Spider King is the never-before-told true story of a Ukrainian child prodigy who became one of the most dangerous cybercriminals and real-world operators in modern history. By age twelve, Roman Ganzha was hacking government systems. By his twenties, he was earning hundreds of thousands of dollars a week for the Russia...