Title: Language – Its Nature, Development and Origin
Author: Otto Jespersen
ISBN-13: 9789367215302
Pages: 578 (xxiv + 553)
Price: ₹599
First Published: 1922
Reprint Edition: 2026
Publisher: Doaba Publications
Language: English
Genre: Linguistics / Language Studies / Philosophy of Language
Description
Language: Its Nature, Development and Origin by Otto Jespersen is a monumental contribution to the scientific study of language. First published in 1922, this work explores the origins, structure, and evolution of human speech in extraordinary depth. Jespersen examines language as a living, evolving system – shaped by history, culture, psychology, and the innate creativity of humankind.
Divided into four major sections – the history of linguistic science, the child and language learning, the individual and society, and the development of language – the book provides a sweeping view of how languages emerge, change, and influence thought. Jespersen’s synthesis of linguistic, biological, and social perspectives remains a milestone in the understanding of human communication.
This 2026 Doaba Publications Reprint Edition presents the complete text (xxiv + 553 pages) with modern, reader-friendly typesetting. It is indispensable for linguists, students, educators, and general readers fascinated by how language mirrors the human mind.
Key Features
Classic linguistic masterpiece by Otto Jespersen
Examines the origin, evolution, and structure of language
Combines linguistic science with psychology and cultural analysis
Essential for students and researchers in language and literature
Reprinted in 2026 by Doaba Publications with scholarly clarity