The Language Instinct
by Steven Pinker
Pinker's case that language is an instinct, a biological adaptation, with tours through grammar, child language, dialects and the brain. Witty and accessible science writing.
Read it if…
you are curious about how language works and why children learn it so easily.
See the book →
Skip it if…
you are not interested in linguistics.
Try instead: The Stoic Art of Living →
Three things you will actually use
- Language is instinct, not just culture.
- All dialects are grammatical.
- Children are grammar machines.
Do this first
Read the chapter on how children acquire language.
Our verdict
Witty linguistics.
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