SKU: 25157840471

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

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Description

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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Debby & Brian
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Cozy Omegaverse
Format: Kindle
This is the true definition of Cozy Omegaverse. LA wedding coordinator meets her pack at the location for a couple’s destination wedding. Low angst because they are scent matched high heat with heats and knots. Everything you love about this genre with very little anxiety. Simply a fun experience to read and a book I will comeback to when I’m in a slump. I simply love reading this book
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Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2026
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Iputmybookdownforthis
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 4
Cute Omegaverse story
Format: Kindle
3.75 stars and 2 for spice. Adorable Omegaverse story about a wedding planner who has to go to a small town to plan a wedding for a movie star. While there, she meets her pack. This covers her struggles of not living there but trying to keep her relationship going with her 3 Alphas. It's a quick read and cute, so I recommend it for people who like light-hearted RH stories.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2025
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Dani
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 3
real good
Format: Kindle
This was a solid read for the ABO universe. The characters are great. The smut scenes were well written. And the town is so cute I want to go there. It didn’t have much character development it just felt like I was getting to the characters as they were getting to know each other.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2025
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Tstar
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
So sweet
Format: Kindle
It’s so unexpectedly sweet that it sneaks up on you. Each character is so unique and charming. I love the openness and honesty among their pack. It really blows me away how wonderful this omegaverse trope plays out. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2026
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Queen of Anxiety
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 2
Needs editing
Format: Kindle
Cute storyline and promising characters, but the lack of editing is painful to read. I would love to read an edited version.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2025

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