Blurb:
Are you ready to solve one of the world’s biggest mysteries: how we talk?
The story of communication begins in prehistoric times, gallops through the dark arts, untranslatable words and languages brought back from the dead, and arrives in the age of AI. Along the way, we meet outstanding characters―the one-word man, the 400-word monkey and the million-word computer―who play their part in the development of language.
Every tale in this book holds a clue to the gigantic puzzle of the evolution of language that has hypnotized brilliant minds over time. Handprints of not-quite-humans on ancient cave walls, secrets buried in ash from a seven-year-long winter, forbidden experiments by kings on babies and even a rogue gene hiding in your DNA―how do they all piece together?
WARNING: Enjoy the rollercoaster ride of language, hilarious histories and crazy quizzes, but ignore the wise-cracking dog who will insist he wrote this book.
My Review:
“Without words there would be only…” – Jane De Suza (The Talking Book)
“The Talking Book” delves into the topic surrounded by much mystery: the evolution of language. Jane De Suza, through this book, explores its origins from prehistoric times to the age of artificial intelligence. Through captivating tales and intriguing facts, the book unravels the mysteries of communication, from ancient cave paintings to modern-day linguistic experiments. The book wittily engages the readers of all age in a thought-provoking exploration of humanity’s most fundamental tool.
Jane De Suza’s writing style is fun and accessible, making complex linguistic concepts approachable for readers of all ages. With a blend of humor and insight, she guides readers through the intricate history of language, encouraging curiosity and sparking thought-provoking questions. The chapters flow seamlessly, keeping readers captivated from start to finish, while the inclusion of graphics and engaging fonts adds visual appeal to the text.
With some unanswerable questions and unresolved concepts, “The Talking Book” emphasizes the importance of curiosity and inquiry in understanding the world around us. While the book doesn’t aim to provide definitive answers to every linguistic mystery, it encourages readers to embrace the wonder of discovery and to ask questions that lead to deeper understanding. The message is clear: curiosity is key to intelligence, and there’s always more to learn about the rich tapestry of communication, not just among humans but also animals and birds.
“The Talking Book” is highly recommended for readers of all ages who are curious about the origins and evolution of language. Its engaging writing style, thought-provoking content, and visually appealing presentation make it an excellent addition to both educational curricula and personal reading lists.
So, grab a copy, embark on a journey through the history of language, and prepare to be both entertained and enlightened.