The Evolution of Human Consciousness and Linguistic Behavior: A Synthetic Approach to the Anthropology and Archaeology of Language Origins

Karen A. Haworth and Terry J. Prewitt argue that the distinction between holistic and analytical cognitive processing is the key to understanding the origins of language. They suggest that iconic and indexical logical modeling precedes human elaboration of experience by symbolic reference in words or propositions, and that the use of symbols to model the world developed rapidly between 20,000 and 10,000 years ago, giving emphasis to analytic thought as the dominant mode of human consciousness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 172 pages
Publication date: 18 August 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Drawing from the rich tapestry of cognitive science,Paleolithic anthropology,art history,and semiotics,Karen A. Haworth and Terry J. Prewitt present a groundbreaking exploration of the origins of language. Their analysis,centered around the distinction between holistic and analytical cognitive processing,unveils a novel perspective on the evolution of language. By incorporating a refined understanding of human symboling capabilities rooted in the profound insights of C. S. Peirce, the authors offer a concise yet comprehensive account of the artifacts and art of the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods, shedding light on the enigmatic origins of language. Their interpretation aligns with a semiotic argument that posits that "iconic and indexical logical modeling" precedes the human elaboration of experience through symbolic reference in words or propositions. This symbolic reference ultimately leads to what Peirce referred to as "the argument." Moreover, the authors propose that the use of symbols to model the world experienced a rapid proliferation between approximately 20,000 and 10,000 years ago, resulting in the dominance of analytic thought as the primary mode of human consciousness. Instead of perceiving symbols as the catalyst for human logic, they advocate for the presence of presymbolic elements of logic within the widely shared sign categories found in humans and other animals.

This groundbreaking work appeals to scholars across a diverse range of disciplines, including philosophy, anthropology, psychology, linguistics, and semiotics. Additionally, it caters to the interests of nonspecialists by providing a clear and accessible presentation complemented with brief personal narratives. The authors' insights into the foundations of language have far-reaching implications, touching upon education, psychology, philosophy, prehistory, and art, among other fields. By delving into the complexities of human cognition and symbolization, Haworth and Prewitt have contributed to our understanding of the human experience and paved the way for new avenues of exploration in the realms of language, culture, and cognition.

In conclusion, "The Origins of Language: A Holistic and Analytic Approach" is a seminal work that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the evolution of language. Through their interdisciplinary approach, Haworth and Prewitt have shed light on the complex interplay between cognitive processes, symbolization, and cultural development. This book will undoubtedly inspire scholars and nonspecialists alike to further explore the enigmatic origins of language and its profound implications for our understanding of the human mind and the world around us.

Weight: 281g
Dimension: 229 x 153 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538171196