What does it mean to know a language? Is there a language gene? What do we lose when a language dies? Picking up where his previous book, Language, Bananas and Bonobos left off. Neil Smith explores these questions and more in a collection of essays that will intrigue the linguist on holiday or the language lover in all of us. With topics ranging from sign language to the mispronunciations of two-year-olds, Language, Frogs and Savants offers a further glimpse into the fascinating world of linguistics.

With topics ranging from language death to sign language, "Language, Frogs and Savants" offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of linguistics. Written by one of the most senior figures in linguistics, this work: features fascinating topics ranging from language death to sign language; includes an introduction to the current vision of linguistics most closely associated with Noam Chomsky; and, contains a glossary of all technical terms and interpretations.