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Arguing that gossiping is vital to a society, and that there is no such thing as "idle" gossip, this book disputes the assumption that language developed in male-male relationships. The author believes that, on the contrary, language evolved among women, and contends that, although men are just as likely to natter as women, women gossip more about other people, thus strengthening the female-female relationships that underpin society.
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Why is it that among all the primates, only humans have language? According to Professor Robin Dunbar's new book, Grooming, Gossip, and the Evolution of Language, humans gossip because we don't groom each other. Dunbar builds his argument in a lively discussion that touches on such varied topics as the behavior of gelada baboons, Darwin's theory of evolution, computer-generated poetry, and the significance of brain size. He begins with the social organization of the great apes. These animals live in small groups and maintain social cohesion through almost constant grooming activities. Grooming is a way to forge alliances, establish hierarchy, offer comfort, or make apology. Once a population expands beyond a certain number, however, it becomes impossible for each member to maintain constant physical contact with every other member of the group. Considering the large groups in which human beings have found it necessary to live, Dunbar posits that we developed language as a substitute for physical intimacy.
Whether or not you accept Dunbar's premise, his book is worth reading, if only for its animated prose and wealth of scientific information. An obvious choice for science buffs, Grooming, Gossip, and the Evolution of Language is a wonderful book for anyone with an inquiring mind and an interest in what makes the world go round.From the Back Cover:
Apes and monkeys, humanity's closest kin, differ from other animals in the intensity of their social relationships. All their grooming is not so much about hygiene as it is about cementing bonds, making friends, and influencing fellow primates. But for early humans, grooming as a way to social success posed a problem: given their large social groups of 150 or so, our earliest ancestors would have had to spend almost half their time grooming one another - an impossible burden. What Dunbar suggests - and his research, whether in the realm of primatology or in that of gossip, confirms - is that humans developed language to serve the same purpose, but far more efficiently. It seems there is nothing idle about chatter, which holds together a diverse, dynamic group - whether of hunter-gatherers, soldiers, or workmates. Anthropologists have long assumed that language developed in relationships among males during activities such as hunting. Dunbar's original and extremely interesting studies suggest otherwise: that language in fact evolved in response to our need to keep up to date with friends and family. We needed conversation to stay in touch, and we still need it in ways that will not be satisfied by teleconferencing, e-mail, or any other communication technology. As Dunbar shows, the impersonal world of cyberspace will not fulfill our primordial need for face-to-face contact.
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Book Description Hardback. Condition: Good. The book has been read but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact and the cover is intact. Some minor wear to the spine. Seller Inventory # GOR002744161
Book Description Faber and Faber, 1996. Hardcover. Condition: Used; Good. Fast Dispatch. Expedited UK Delivery Available. Excellent Customer Service. Paperback copy. Seller Inventory # BBI2934325
Book Description Faber & Faber. Condition: Very Good. 1996. Hardcover. Fine in fine dustwrapper with some minor shelf wear. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland. Seller Inventory # KAK0013232
Book Description Faber & Faber, 1996. Condition: Very Good. 1996. Hardcover. Fine in fine dustwrapper with some minor shelf wear. . . . . Seller Inventory # KAK0013232
Book Description Faber & Faber, 1996. Condition: Very Good. Seller Inventory # U9780571173969
Book Description Cambridge, MA Harvard U.P, 1996. Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. First Edition. Presumed First Edition. No dust jacket. Seller Inventory # mon0001353417
Book Description Faber & Faber, Incorporated, Gordonsville, VA, U.S.A., 1996. Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. 1st. Light wear and small chips to edges of jacket. Pages yellowing a little. Overall clean, tight copy. Seller Inventory # 11810
Book Description Harvard University Press, 1996. Hardcover. Condition: Used - Good. 1st Edition. Not an ex-library edition. Text body is clean, and free from previous owner annotation, underlining and highlighting. Binding is tight, covers and spine fully intact. Cover shows light surface and edge wear. Page edges off-white. Seller Inventory # gT36-000657-13Mar16
Book Description Faber and Faber, London, 1996. Publisher's Cloth. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Good+. First Edition. - 223 mm. Red cloth hardcover. Figures. Pp. xii, 230. Moderate edge wear to DJ with minor creasing. Minimal loss to DJ at top two corners and foot of spine. Minor tanning toward page extremities. Sparse pencil underlining. Overall VG / G+. Seller Inventory # 000834