The signs of a savant language against the odds Smith, N. V. (Neilson Voyne) text bibliography enk Cambridge New York Cambridge University Press 2011 monographic eng
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xiv, 219 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 23 cm. "Every once in a while nature gives us insight into the human condition by providing us with a unique case whose special properties illuminate the species as a whole. Christopher is such an example. Despite disabilities which mean that everyday tasks are burdensome chores, Christopher is a linguistic wonder who can read, write, speak, understand and translate more than twenty languages. On some tests he shows a severely low IQ, hinting at ineducability, yet his English language ability indicates an IQ in excess of 120 (a level more than sufficient to enter university). Christopher is a savant, someone with an island of startling talent in a sea of inability. This book documents his learning of British Sign Language, casting light on the modularity of cognition, the modality neutrality of the language faculty, the structure of memory, the grammar of signed language and the nature of the human mind"-- Introducing Christopher -- British Sign Llanguage: an overview -- The programme -- The results -- Christopher in the wider context -- Modality and the mind-- Appendices -- Notes -- References -- Index -- Neil Smith ... [et al.]. Includes bibliographical references (p. 191-213) and index. Savants (Savant syndrome) Language acquisition BF426 .S54 2011 419 SMI; 1 9780521852272 0521852277 9780521617697 (pbk.) 0521617693 (pbk.) 2010035474 http://catdir.loc.gov/catdir/enhancements/fy1012/2010035474-b.html http://catdir.loc.gov/catdir/enhancements/fy1012/2010035474-d.html http://catdir.loc.gov/catdir/enhancements/fy1012/2010035474-t.html http://assets.cambridge.org/97805218/52272/cover/9780521852272.jpg http://catdir.loc.gov/catdir/enhancements/fy1012/2010035474-b.html http://catdir.loc.gov/catdir/enhancements/fy1012/2010035474-d.html http://catdir.loc.gov/catdir/enhancements/fy1012/2010035474-t.html http://assets.cambridge.org/97805218/52272/cover/9780521852272.jpg DLC 100818 20190918171447.0 16422647