SKU: 25157840471

Bastard Tongues: A Trailblazing Linguist Finds Clues to Our Common Humanity in the World's Lowliest Languages

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Bastard Tongues: A Trailblazing Linguist Finds Clues to Our Common Humanity in the World's Lowliest LanguagesBastard Tongues is an exciting, firsthand story of scientific discovery in an area of research close to the heart of what it means to be human what language is, how it works, and how it passes from generation to generation, even where historical accidents have made normal transmission almost impossible. The story focuses on languages so low in the pecking order that many people don't regard them as languages at all Creole languages spoken by

Bastard Tongues is an exciting, firsthand story of scientific discovery in an area of research close to the heart of what it means to be human--what language is, how it works, and how it passes from generation to generation, even where historical accidents have made normal transmission almost impossible. The story focuses on languages so low in the pecking order that many people don't regard them as languages at all--Creole languages spoken by descendants of slaves and indentured laborers in plantation colonies all over the world.

The story is told by Derek Bickerton, who has spent more than thirty years researching these languages on four continents and developing a controversial theory that explains why they are so similar to one another. A published novelist, Bickerton (once described as "part scholar, part swashbuckling man of action") does not present his findings in the usual dry academic manner. Instead, you become a companion on his journey of discovery. You learn things as he learned them, share his disappointments and triumphs, explore the exotic locales where he worked, and meet the colorful characters he encountered along the way. The result is a unique blend of memoir, travelogue, history, and linguistics primer, appealing to anyone who has ever wondered how languages grow or what it's like to search the world for new knowledge.



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: St. Martins Press-3PL
Published: 03/17/2009
ISBN: 9780809028160
Pages: 270
Weight: 0.55lbs
Size: 8.20h x 5.50w x 0.80d

Review Citations: New York Times Book Review 04/12/2009 pg. 24
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SKU: 25157840471

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Doris Swedmark
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Great book!
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Great book!
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John E. Caronan
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great price
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Interesting read.
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LOQU
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
An outstanding spiritual treasure trove
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This book is a treasure of spiritual insights and guidelines to live a devout life. Although written hundreds of years ago, it is remarkably apt and relevant today. St. Francis de Sales was a spiritual director, and it is clear why he was so sought after and valued. This book is one I turn to again and again as life circumstances change, and I have given away copies to several fellow pilgrims. This spiritual classic receives my highest endorsement.
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Dan
Dallas, US
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100% Yes!
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Every Christian should read this book! Revitalized my prayer and contemplation, St. Francis de Sales really walks you through the steps of seeking Christ in new ways.
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Jennifer M. Hale
Grantham, US
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Something for everyone….
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Awesome book…lots of great spiritual advice and inspirations.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2025

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