The Oxford Handbook of Approaches to Language Evolution

This handbook provides a detailed account of the many methodological considerations and approaches in the field of language evolution. Each chapter highlights a particular methodology and outlines a question or set of questions that can be addressed using that methodology, illustrated by a key example from the recent literature.

This handbook provides a detailed account of the many methodological tools and approaches used in the field of language evolution. The field has seen a rapid growth over the last decade, with a greater focus on empirical data and interdisciplinary syntheses. This volume aims to make sense of these recent developments, to provide a clear map of the current research landscape, and to showcase some of the most important advances. Each chapter highlights a particular methodology and outlines a question or set of questions that can be addressed using that methodology, illustrated by a key example from the recent literature. The volume is divided into three parts. Part I showcases the many ways in which humans can shed light on the evolution of language when placed in specific experimental settings, as well as discussing the use of clinical, genetic, observational and historical data. Part II is devoted to simulations and models that enable the careful control of biases, mechanisms, and environments, while Part III revolves around the idea that the study of non-human animals can provide valuable insights into the evolution of human language. The handbook as a whole demonstrates that multiple complimentary approaches are necessary to do justice to the complexity of language evolution.