Daniel Everett

Date of Birth: June 26, 1951

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Biography

Daniel Leonard Everett is an American author, linguist, and academic known for his extensive work on the Pirahã people of the Amazon rainforest. Born into a poor family in Holtville, California, Everett’s journey is a remarkable tale of transformation from a Christian missionary to a prominent linguist who challenged some of the fundamental theories of language. He initially went to the Amazon to convert the Pirahã people to Christianity but ended up becoming fascinated with their language and culture, which led him to abandon his missionary work and immerse himself in linguistic research. Everett’s work with the Pirahã has significantly impacted the field of linguistics, particularly his challenge to Noam Chomsky’s theory of universal grammar. Everett argues that the Pirahã language lacks recursion, a feature that Chomsky claims is a universal aspect of human language. His findings have sparked widespread debate and have been both celebrated and criticized within the academic community. In addition to his linguistic research, Everett has authored several books, including “Don’t Sleep, There Are Snakes,” which details his experiences with the Pirahã, and “How Language Began,” which explores the origins of language. He has held various academic positions and is currently a faculty member at Bentley University.

5 Interesting Facts about Daniel Everett

1. Daniel Everett spent over 30 years living with the Pirahã people, learning their language and culture.

2. He initially went to the Amazon as a missionary with the Summer Institute of Linguistics but left the organization after becoming an atheist.

3. His book “Don’t Sleep, There Are Snakes” combines a gripping narrative of his time with the Pirahã with an analysis of their unique language.

4. Everett’s claims about the Pirahã language lacking recursion have been a significant point of contention in the field of linguistics.

5. He has authored several influential books and papers on language and has held teaching positions at institutions like the University of Manchester and Illinois State University.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Daniel Everett

1. “Language is far more than just a communication tool; it’s a reflection of how we see the world.”

2. “The Pirahã taught me that there are multiple ways to live a good life.”

3. “We must be humble in the face of human diversity, especially linguistic diversity.”

4. “The idea that recursion is a universal property of human language is not supported by the evidence from the Pirahã.”

5. “Living with the Pirahã challenged my deepest beliefs and changed the course of my life.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Daniel Everett is estimated to be around $1 million.

Children

Daniel Everett has three children: Caleb Everett, Shannon Everett, and Kristene Everett. Caleb Everett has followed in his father’s academic footsteps and is a professor of anthropology.