This book investigates the fundamental nature of human language and its acquisition. Frederick J. Newmeyer, a renowned linguist, draws upon decades of research to explore the biological and cognitive underpinnings of language. The work examines the innate capacities for language that humans possess, contrasting them with the learned aspects of specific languages. It presents a framework for understanding how children acquire language so rapidly and universally, and discusses the evolutionary pressures that may have shaped this unique human trait.

This work is recognized as a significant contribution to the field of linguistics, offering a comprehensive overview of language's nature and acquisition. Scholars often cite Newmeyer's synthesis of biological, cognitive, and evolutionary perspectives. The book is regarded as a dense but essential text for those seeking a deep understanding of linguistic theory.