Origins and Revolutions: Human Identity in Earliest Prehistory Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Origins and Revolutions: Human Identity in Earliest Prehistory? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Origins and Revolutions: Human Identity in Earliest Prehistory. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Origins and Revolutions: Human Identity in Earliest Prehistory ReviewI got much more than I expected. Gamble works in archaeology but takes some of the latest ideas to bring the subject to today's cutting edge. He attempts three basic efforts roughly paralleling the three sections of the book. He first demolishes the easy storylines of what has passed as prehistoric "revolutions" such as the Neolithic as being pretty much along the lines of magic bullet theories where first we had X (fill in the blank: big brains, language, agriculture, etc.) and then we had significant jumps to people who looked surprisingly close to ... us. The historical connections within European archaeology to various ideologies and cultural preconceptions don't get neglected in his critique.
Then he turns in the second section to his serious rebuilding of archaeology by emphasizing the need to bring the people back into the artefacts. And for this he turns very productively to material culture studies and many of the thinkers who are testing the waters of material agency. Sometimes his language can seem a little convoluted, but the ideas are rich, well illustrated, given many examples from many excavations throughout prehistory, and convincing. Just listing his ideas for how people used objects and tools gives a feel for the way he brings artefacts into people-using forms: sets and nets, enchainment and accumulation, containers and instruments, consuming and fragmenting, additive and reductive technologies, planning depth and tactical depth and curation (maintaining technology over time), and childscape within habitscape. His use of the studies of others who have recreated individual archaeological sites for the manufacture of blades and flakes in the use of flint to apply these concepts brings life to the imagined activities uncovered in these studies. The ample examples, photos, and drawings greatly reduce the tedium of the sometimes heavy theory.
In the last section he then takes his new concepts and applies them to give a different sense of the gradual movement of prehistory. Here, the richness of the extant archaeological studies tumbles out as he brings his new concepts into simpler view. This part was the easiest and most rewarding to read. He is probing how to rebuild the contours of prehistory without the facile origins and revolutions that have defined it sometimes in the past.
What is best about the book for those of us who are not archaeologists is the exploration of material agency and the social-action dimensions of objects. What was oddly missing from the book were connections to biology and evolution, especially cultural evolution. Presumably, he left this out to keep the focus from becoming too wide, but the issues he raises beg to be integrated with cultural evolutionary theory and other fields such as cognitive science. What he does give us, thankfully, is a deep overview of the field of prehistoric studies and a promising set of tools to explore material agency, which is tenaciously taking hold within material culture studies and which is philosophically radical.Origins and Revolutions: Human Identity in Earliest Prehistory OverviewIn this innovative study Clive Gamble presents and questions two of the most famous descriptions of change in prehistory. The first is the 'human revolution', when evidence for art, music, religion and language first appears. The second is the economic and social revolution of the Neolithic period. Gamble identifies the historical agendas behind 'origins research' and presents a bold new alternative to these established frameworks, relating the study of change to the material basis of human identity.He examines, through artefact proxies, how changing identities can be understood using embodied material metaphors and in two major case-studies charts the prehistory of innovations, asking, did agriculture really change the social world? This is an important and challenging book that will be essential reading for every student and scholar of prehistory.

Want to learn more information about Origins and Revolutions: Human Identity in Earliest Prehistory?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

The Human Voice: How This Extraordinary Instrument Reveals Essential Clues About Who We Are Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy The Human Voice: How This Extraordinary Instrument Reveals Essential Clues About Who We Are? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on The Human Voice: How This Extraordinary Instrument Reveals Essential Clues About Who We Are. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

The Human Voice: How This Extraordinary Instrument Reveals Essential Clues About Who We Are ReviewAnimals of all different kinds busy themselves with making noises in order to feed or mate or protect themselves. Humans are no different, but have taken the use of their anatomical noisemaking devices to extreme utility. Of course, this is tied to our use of language, and language is full of puzzling aspects, but so is the human voice when considered as an instrument or tool rather than just an auditory word delivery system. In _The Human Voice: How This Extraordinary Instrument Reveals Essential Clues About Who We Are_ (Bloomsbury), Anne Karpf looks at the importance of the voice to human society, and the paradoxical way that we take it for granted. Karpf skillfully takes us through many surprising aspects of how we use our voices, and cites many curious studies that have used clever tricks to make the voice give up its secrets; this isn't an academic treatise, but there are eighty pages of footnotes with sources from Aristotle to The Simpsons. She has done fifty interviews with people about their own voices, what they think about other people's voices, and how much information a voice can give them. It's a perfect subject for a book: everyone has a voice, everyone has intimate vocal connections to others, and everyone has more to learn about how it all works.
She begins with an examination of how our anatomy works to make the voice. Among the complexities of our vocal systems is that all the components have other functions rather than producing voices, functions that are vital to life while voice-making is a mere option. Teeth and tongue modify the voice, for instance, but they are really there (as they are in voiceless animals) for purposes of eating. We are programmed to recognize voices even before we are born. A baby within the uterus can react to some sounds as early as fourteen weeks on, and quickly becomes attuned to the mother's voice, which some studies show has a calming effect, slowing the fetal heart rate. After birth, a baby reliably reacts more to the voice of the mother than to anyone else. It is a familiar phenomenon that if one baby in a group starts crying, other babies will be likely to start to do so themselves, indicating that even infants have some programmed sympathy for the distress of others. It is fascinating, though, that a baby tends not to start crying if played a recording of its own cries, indicating a knowledge at birth of the difference between me and not-me. In the sixties, the word "voiceprint" was coined, and it was thought that each individual voice might be visually represented with the fidelity of fingerprints. Forensic identification of speakers, however, has required subjective opinions of experts in ways that fingerprints do not, and often such evidence has yet to be declared admissible in state courts. Part of the problem is that age, mood, and situation change our voices in ways that vary voiceprints out of identifiability.
Karpf has just mentioned key findings of many studies, not all of which are conclusive. She does express her doubts on studies such as those of professor Albert Mehrabian who supposedly found that 7% of the information conveyed by a voice consists of words and their meaning, while the rest of the communication comes from vocal and facial expression. Karpf generally campaigns, however, that the voice is more important than we have thought, and she is convincing. Her enthusiasm for her subject is readily apparent; she is eager to make sure the voice gets the recognition it deserves, and all who read this book will gain an increase of appreciation for their own voices and what voices can do for us. Karpf takes note, for instance, that some large firms are promoting "e-mail free Friday", whereby for one day a week e-mail will be ditched, with the aim that employees will begin talking and listening to each other.The Human Voice: How This Extraordinary Instrument Reveals Essential Clues About Who We Are Overview

Want to learn more information about The Human Voice: How This Extraordinary Instrument Reveals Essential Clues About Who We Are?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Alphabet to Email : How Written English Evolved and Where It's Heading Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Alphabet to Email : How Written English Evolved and Where It's Heading? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Alphabet to Email : How Written English Evolved and Where It's Heading. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Alphabet to Email : How Written English Evolved and Where It's Heading ReviewEvery communications technology has significantly affected the nature of human language. With the growing ubiquity of the Internet, this is an appropriate time to take a look at the effect of technological change on language and to see if historical patterns repeat themselves in the virtual world.
I am personally fascinated by languages. I'm amazed by the richness and variety of human communication, and by the constant change in vocabulary, grammar and style. In comparison to other languages, written English is pretty close to spoken English-even parts of this review uses language similar to what I might use in an intellectual conversation about a book on linguistics. Still, I thought that I'd give Baron a chance, and see what she had to say. I'm glad that I did.
This is not a book for academics. It is written for the educated and somewhat motivated layperson. With a glib style, and a keen awareness of the need to explain linguistic concepts to her readers, Baron's book is informative and enjoyable. According to the author, written English was once virtually identical to speech, serving as a record of spoken words. As needs changed, and technology permitted, language patterns in written English diverged significantly from spoken English. However, and perhaps motivated by the requirements and capabilities of new transportation and telecommunications technologies, written English has made a decisive retreat from the formal, and appears to be reconverging towards spoken language patterns.
She paints a dynamic picture of the historical ballet of written English. The give and take as the prescriptivists (think William Safire) and the descriptivists each have their day.Since the 1960s, American dictionaries have been largely descriptive, no longer trying to impose the ideals of their editors on the language, but instead trying to provide a written reference to actual usage (this is why contemporary dictionaries include profanities).
Not being a big fan of anything written before the late 19th century, I can easily accept that written language has become less formal. For me, Mark Twain was one of the earliest writers to use a style that doesn't feel horribly anachronistic. Interestingly enough, Twain was the first author to provide his publisher with a typewritten book manuscript. Baron makes a compelling case for the influence of technology, like the typewriter, on the English language. Again and again, the significance of new communications technologies is often completely misunderstood. Conservative social elements resist new technologies out of concern for their perceived negative effect on cultural values. Perhaps justifying this natural social backlash, once a communications technology becomes commonplace, it results in permanent changes on written and spoken language.
So what will be the effect of the Internet on our mother tongue? I wouldn't spoil a good story by leaking the ending, but I can tell you that her conclusions are well-reasoned and highly credible. If you are even mildly interested in language issues, communications, or the social effects of the Internet, then you will find this an enjoyable and informative text. If you are interested in further reading or research, you'll be pleased with the lengthy bibliography.Alphabet to Email : How Written English Evolved and Where It's Heading OverviewIn Alphabet to Email Naomi Baron takes us on a fascinating and often entertaining journey through the history of the English language, showing how technology - especially email - is gradually stripping language of its formality.Drawing together strands of thinking about writing, speech, pedagogy, technology, and globalization, Naomi Baron explores the ever-changing relationship between speech and writing and considers the implications of current language trends on the future of written English.Alphabet to Email will appeal to anyone who is curious about how the English language has changed over the centuries and where it might be going.

Want to learn more information about Alphabet to Email : How Written English Evolved and Where It's Heading?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Anthropology: The Basics Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Anthropology: The Basics? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Anthropology: The Basics. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Anthropology: The Basics ReviewMetcalf's approach to anthropology is admirable because it consciously incorporates self-critical aspects I feel are important for anthropology novices to be aware of and understand. Many anthropology texts cover only in passing some of the inherent problems of the field, not giving, in my opinion, the proper impression that anthropology is currently a field in flux, one that is constantly in the process of reinventing itself. Metcalf establishes this clearly, covering thoroughly and repeatedly central themes like cultural relativism, the relationship between anthropology and imperialism, and the sticky issue of power relations between ethnographers and informants.
So four stars for taking this fresh approach, but negative 1 star for the style: I can't blame him, because he is treading the academic minefield of explaining complex issues in an introductory text, however, I really did think Metcalf erred on the side of simplicity on this one. Metcalf's text is critical of anthropology, and criticism of anthropological methods usually involes a call for a more complex, nuanced understanding of indigenous peoples/gender/sexuality/whatever. Yet, in the enthusiastic rush to elaborate this criticism in an introductory text, Metcalf often makes the types of generalizations that he claims anthropology should try to avoid. This mistake doesn't happen too much... but it certainly leaps out from the page at you when the last two paragraphs you read are exactly about the inadequacies and insidious malice of generalizing.Anthropology: The Basics OverviewThe ultimate guide for the student encountering anthropology for the first time, Anthropology: The Basics explains and explores key anthropological concepts including:what is anthropology?how can we distinguish cultural differences from physical ones?what is culture, anyway?how do anthropologists study culture?what are the key theories and approaches used today?How has the discipline changed over time?This student-friendly text provides an overview of the fundamental principles of anthropology and is an invaluable guide for anyone wanting to learn more about this fascinating subject.

Want to learn more information about Anthropology: The Basics?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

Survival of the Fattest: The Key to Human Brain Evolution Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy Survival of the Fattest: The Key to Human Brain Evolution? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on Survival of the Fattest: The Key to Human Brain Evolution. Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

Survival of the Fattest: The Key to Human Brain Evolution ReviewThis creative intelligently-designed book on human evolution is by a top fatty acid and nutrition Prof. The topic is timely, for example, U.S. politics are still influenced by the creation versus evolution debate. The book is also timely since modern food refining (and man's unique use of heat) slash the micro-nutrients affecting health and survival of individuals and groups.
The book describes us as the only land mammal with fat-babies and why this 'fatness' gave us an advantage in the (brain) nutrition department.
The book makes the point that "shore-based" foods gave us the micro-nutrients allowing us to build better brains, like one of the fish-based omega-3 oils (vital for brain development and continued brain health). Foods from the water and its shores also provide 5 key minerals (iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium and copper) that many still have difficulty obtaining in adequate amounts, affecting health and survival.
This handsome book is well written and presented. It is not an easy book and full of detail (yet little excess fat), but it is likely to forever change the way we look at our foods and health (and it does have practical data). The concept for health and evolution really comes down to: "It's the Micro-Nutrients, Stupid!" Ignoring this concept comes with great risk, the combined message of evolution and science.
The book is a good re-read with delicious tidbits like the role of copper in the tissue that keeps our arteries intact, my personal interest, and likely a main cause of cardio-vascular disease. Good work with effectively no factual errors and that evolved well before it was born and that should stand the test of time. vos@health-heart.orgSurvival of the Fattest: The Key to Human Brain Evolution OverviewEvolution, in general, depends on a special combination of circumstances: part genetics, part time, and part environment. In the case of human brain evolution, the main environmental influence was adaptation to a 'shore-based' diet, which provided the world's richest source of nutrition, as well as a sedentary lifestyle that promoted fat deposition. Such a diet included shellfish, fish, marsh plants, frogs, bird's eggs, etc. Humans, and more importantly, hominid babies started to get fat, a crucial distinction that led to the development of larger brains and to the evolution of modern humans. A larger brain is expensive to maintain and this increasing demand for energy results in, succintly, survival of the fattest.

Want to learn more information about Survival of the Fattest: The Key to Human Brain Evolution?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...

On the Death and Life of Languages (An Editions Odile Jacob Book) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Are you looking to buy On the Death and Life of Languages (An Editions Odile Jacob Book)? Here is the right place to find the great deals. we can offer discounts of up to 90% on On the Death and Life of Languages (An Editions Odile Jacob Book). Check out the link below:

>> Click Here to See Compare Prices and Get the Best Offers

On the Death and Life of Languages (An Editions Odile Jacob Book) ReviewHagege claims that a language that is no longer spoken does not necessarily cease to exist. There are major flaws with this argument. First, this supposes that complete records of the phonics, grammar, and syntax of the language exist, written and ideally recorded. Second, simply translating word for word does not guarantee authenticity. For example, "translating word for word" in Chinese would be "one word one word chase word capsize." Vast gaps of expression loom between languages. Third, languages have their habitual means of expression, including not only cultural, historical, and social references, but also ways of speaking with other people. In English, I would rarely ask someone, Where are you going? unless that person were leaving, and it is not common in Mandarin, but in Tayal, that is the proper way to greet a person. Chinese has adopted `ni hao ma?' from the English `how are you?' and Tayal has `blaq su ga?' but Tayal speakers are apt to say `blaq su ga?' halfway through a conversation, and end a conversation by saying, Lokah su! = You are fine, rather than beginning in English fashion by asking How are you? The Tsou often say Aveoveoyu at the beginning and end of a conversation, as well as to say Thank you.
So if one were to study all the literature of a moribund language such as Pazeh, one might be able to speak after a fashion, but it would hardly be the same language as was used by the original speakers. This sort of resurrection inspires little faith.
I finished the book a couple months ago, wrote the first two paragraphs of this review, and left it. Perhaps what bothers me about this book is that it is very bloodless, very detached. I speak some Tayal, and am learning Tzou, two ancient Austronesian languages that are dying out, so for me, I am more interested in understanding and preserving languages that are still living, rather than a very distant examination of arcane points of logic that could interest only a French intellectual.
If you have read Vanishing Voices and Spoken Here and want to learn more, you might find this interesting, but those two very definitely take precedence over this book.
On the Death and Life of Languages (An Editions Odile Jacob Book) OverviewTwenty-five languages die each year; at this pace, half the world's five thousand languages will disappear within the next century. In this timely book, Claude Hagège seeks to make clear the magnitude of the cultural loss represented by the crisis of language death.
By focusing on the relationship of language to culture and the world of ideas, Hagège shows how languages are themselves crucial repositories of culture; the traditions, proverbs, and knowledge of our ancestors reside in the language we use. His wide-ranging examination covers all continents and language families to uncover not only how languages die, but also how they can be revitalized—for example in the remarkable case of Hebrew. In a striking metaphor, Hagège likens languages to bonfires of social behavior that leave behind sparks even after they die; from these sparks languages can be rekindled and made to live again.

Want to learn more information about On the Death and Life of Languages (An Editions Odile Jacob Book)?

>> Click Here to See All Customer Reviews & Ratings Now

Read More...