ABSTRACT

Of the many symbol systems created by humans, language is unique. It is the most idiosyncratic of symbol systems. For every rule, there is an exception. And yet, it is the most prevalent and the most universal of human symbol systems. It is easily acquired, yet learned with difficulty. An infant will master in three years a phonology and syntax that you couldn’t teach to an eager university student in as much time. How did such an idiosyncratic system ever come to be?