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Chapter 1 The World's Language

• Bryson discusses the place of English in the world including successful and unsuccessful use of the language by non-native speakers.

• English is often the neutral language chosen for international businesses with employees that speak different native languages.

• English has a vocabulary significantly larger than other languages allowing for more precise expression.

• The English language also has the advantage of flexibility.

Chapter 2 The Dawn of Language

• The Neanderthal man was superseded by the Cro-Magnon man because the larnyx of the Cro-Magnon man was located deeper in the throat allowing for more complex language sounds.

• Some theories state that languages are related by certain sounds or sound clusters necessary for basic speech.

• Noted linguist Noam Chomsky asserts that children have innate "ground rules" giving them a predisposition for, and interest in, speech and language.

• Similarities between the ancient language of Sanskrit and the languages of Europe...

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