Language by Daniel L. Everett

Last updated: Sep 10, 2023

Summary of Language by Daniel L. Everett

The book "Language" by Daniel L. Everett is a comprehensive exploration of the nature of language and its role in human society. Everett, a linguist and anthropologist, draws on his extensive fieldwork with the Pirahã people of the Amazon rainforest to challenge traditional theories of language and offer a new perspective on the origins and evolution of communication.

The book begins by introducing the Pirahã, a small indigenous tribe known for their unique language and culture. Everett describes his initial encounters with the Pirahã and their language, which lacks certain features commonly found in other languages. This leads him to question the universality of linguistic structures and the idea that all languages share a common origin.

Everett argues that language is not an innate, genetically determined ability, but rather a cultural invention that varies across different societies. He challenges the widely accepted theory of universal grammar proposed by Noam Chomsky, which suggests that all humans possess an innate language faculty. Instead, Everett proposes that language is shaped by cultural and environmental factors, and that each language reflects the specific needs and experiences of its speakers.

Throughout the book, Everett presents evidence from his fieldwork with the Pirahã to support his arguments. He discusses the unique features of the Pirahã language, such as its lack of recursion and its reliance on immediate experience and direct perception. He also explores the cultural and cognitive aspects of language, highlighting the role of storytelling, mythology, and social interaction in shaping linguistic patterns.

Furthermore, Everett delves into the controversial topic of linguistic relativity, also known as the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis. He examines the extent to which language influences thought and perception, and challenges the notion that language determines our cognitive abilities. Drawing on his experiences with the Pirahã, he argues that language is just one of many factors that shape our understanding of the world, and that different languages offer unique perspectives rather than limiting our cognitive abilities.

In conclusion, "Language" by Daniel L. Everett offers a thought-provoking and comprehensive exploration of the nature of language. Through his fieldwork with the Pirahã people, Everett challenges traditional theories of language and provides a fresh perspective on its origins, evolution, and cultural significance. The book invites readers to reconsider their assumptions about language and encourages a more nuanced understanding of its role in human society.

1. Language is not innate

In his book, Daniel L. Everett challenges the widely held belief that language is innate to humans. He presents evidence from his studies of the Pirahã people in the Amazon, who have a unique language that lacks certain features found in other languages. This challenges the idea that there is a universal grammar that all languages adhere to. Instead, Everett argues that language is a cultural invention, shaped by the specific needs and experiences of a community.

This insight is profound because it challenges our understanding of what it means to be human. If language is not innate, it means that it is not a defining characteristic of our species. It also highlights the importance of cultural diversity in shaping language, as different communities develop their own unique ways of communicating.

2. Language shapes our perception of the world

Everett's research with the Pirahã people also reveals that language has a profound impact on how we perceive and understand the world around us. The Pirahã language lacks certain grammatical structures that are common in other languages, such as recursion. This has led Everett to argue that the Pirahã people have a different way of thinking and experiencing the world.

This insight challenges the idea that language is simply a tool for communication. Instead, it suggests that language is intricately tied to our cognition and shapes how we perceive reality. This has important implications for cross-cultural understanding and communication, as different languages may lead to different interpretations of the same events or concepts.

3. Language is constantly evolving

Another key takeaway from Everett's book is that language is not static, but rather a dynamic and ever-changing system. He provides examples of how languages can evolve over time, through processes such as borrowing words from other languages or creating new words to describe emerging concepts.

This insight highlights the adaptability of language and its ability to reflect the changing needs and experiences of a community. It also emphasizes the importance of studying language in its cultural and historical context, as it is shaped by the specific circumstances of a particular time and place.

4. Language is deeply intertwined with culture

Everett's research with the Pirahã people also highlights the close relationship between language and culture. He argues that language is not just a means of communication, but also a reflection of a community's values, beliefs, and way of life.

This insight emphasizes the importance of understanding language within its cultural context. It also challenges the idea that language can be studied in isolation from other aspects of a community's culture. To truly understand a language, one must also understand the cultural practices and beliefs that shape it.

5. Language is a tool for social interaction

One of the key functions of language, according to Everett, is its role in social interaction. He argues that language is not just a means of conveying information, but also a way for individuals to establish and maintain social relationships.

This insight highlights the social nature of language and its importance in human interaction. It also suggests that language learning is not just about acquiring vocabulary and grammar, but also about understanding the social and cultural norms that govern communication.

6. Language can be a barrier to understanding

Everett's research with the Pirahã people also reveals the potential for language to create barriers to understanding between different communities. He describes how the Pirahã language has certain features that make it difficult for speakers of other languages to learn and understand.

This insight highlights the challenges of cross-cultural communication and the need for cultural sensitivity and understanding. It also emphasizes the importance of language learning and translation in promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between different communities.

7. Language is a powerful tool for expression

Everett's book also highlights the power of language as a tool for expression and creativity. He describes how language allows us to convey complex thoughts and emotions, and to create and appreciate works of literature and art.

This insight emphasizes the richness and diversity of human language and its ability to capture the complexity of human experience. It also highlights the importance of language in fostering creativity and self-expression.

8. Language is a fundamental part of human identity

Finally, Everett's book underscores the fundamental role of language in shaping human identity. He argues that language is not just a tool we use, but an integral part of who we are as individuals and as a species.

This insight highlights the deep connection between language and our sense of self. It also emphasizes the importance of preserving and celebrating linguistic diversity, as each language represents a unique expression of human identity and culture.