Sign languages provide insight into universal linguistic short-cuts
Monday, June 27, 2016 - 13:11
in Mathematics & Economics
Humans have a natural drive to reduce physical effort in nearly every activity, including using language. The ways that effort-reduction affect human language have been the subject of extensive research in the field of linguistics, though the overwhelming focus has been on spoken languages. By studying this effect in sign languages, two linguists have discovered a new way in which language is shaped by our innate drive to make physical activity easier.