Starting from Scratch: The Origin and Development of Expression, Representation and Symbolism in Human and Non-Human Primates
Zoomicon-zoom-in
Starting from Scratch: The Origin and Development of Expression, Representation and Symbolism in Human and Non-Human Primates
Starting from Scratch: The Origin and Development of Expression, Representation and Symbolism in Human and Non-Human Primates

Starting from Scratch: The Origin and Development of Expression, Representation and Symbolism in Human and Non-Human Primates

By
John Matthews (Author)  

Hardback

Available / dispatched within 1 - 4 weeks

Quantity

Also available on eBook for £49.99. Click here to purchase from Rakuten Kobo

This book compares the beginning of symbolic thought in human infancy with that of our close primate relatives, the chimpanzees. The author investigates the precursors of symbolism by studying the actions and interactions of a small group of these intelligent, non-human primates who live in Singapore Zoo. Drawing upon his years of detailed observations, Matthews offers an in-depth analysis and interpretation of chimp behaviour to present an unprecedented account of the beginnings of symbolic thought. The book shows that the actions the chimpanzees perform have structural and semantic similarities with the actions of emergent expression and representation we find in human infancy. Of great importance is the finding that chimpanzee mark-making activity is not an artefact of human interference, but part of chimpanzee culture. Young chimpanzees seem to be introduced to acts of pretence and imagination by older and more experienced ones and taught the rudiments of expression, representation and symbolism. The implications for our understanding of symbolism, language, art and education are enormous, as are those about our origins and our place within nature. The book is written in an accessible style for both specialist and non-specialist readers, and illustrated with the author's drawings and photographs. 60 Halftones, black and white; 14 Illustrations, black and white
John Matthews is an artist and educator. He has taught all age groups from nursery children to University level, at institutions including Goldsmiths Art School and Goldsmiths Faculty of Education at the University of London, and the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. His main research area has been early symbolism in very young children; more recently he has become involved in studying the precursors of symbolic thought in non-human primates.
  • Contributor: John Matthews
  • Imprint: Psychology Press Ltd
  • ISBN13: 9781841696898
  • Number of Pages: 392
  • Packaged Dimensions: 156x234mm
  • Packaged Weight: 725
  • Format: Hardback
  • Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
  • Release Date: 2010-10-22
  • Binding: Hardback
  • Biography: John Matthews is an artist and educator. He has taught all age groups from nursery children to University level, at institutions including Goldsmiths Art School and Goldsmiths Faculty of Education at the University of London, and the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. His main research area has been early symbolism in very young children; more recently he has become involved in studying the precursors of symbolic thought in non-human primates.

Delivery Options

Home Delivery

Store Delivery

Free Returns

We hope you are delighted with everything you buy from us. However, if you are not, we will refund or replace your order up to 30 days after purchase. Terms and exclusions apply; find out more from our Returns and Refunds Policy.