As Edward Sapir first approached the field of linguistics in the course of his anthropologist studies, his view on language is one that takes into account not only cultural studies but the whole range of human sciences, among them psychology, sociology, and philosophy. He treats language as a cultural product and considers linguistics to be a fruitful possibility of a scientific study of society. In this paper I want to give an overview on his inquiries into the function and form of languages as arbitrary systems of symbolisms. Beginning with Sapir's definition and characterization of language I want to carve out the function of language structure in connection with language change, its impact on world view, and finally Sapir's conclusions concerning an artificial international language.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Edward Sapir's Views on Language
- Sapir's Definition and Characterization of Language
- Language as a Conventional System of Arbitrary Symbols
- Concepts and the Symbolic Inventory of Experiences
- Language Structure, Language Change, and Worldview
- Linguistic Relativity and the Influence of Language on Perception
- Formal Completeness of Language
- Phonology and the Distinction Between Phonetics and Phonemes
- The Role of Phonetic and Phonemic Reality in Language
- Examples of Phonetic and Phonemic Differences in German
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to provide an overview of Edward Sapir's views on language, focusing on his inquiries into the function and form of language as an arbitrary system of symbolisms. It examines Sapir's characterization of language, its role in shaping worldview, and the concept of linguistic relativity.
- Sapir's definition and characterization of language as a purely human and non-instinctive system of symbols.
- The relationship between language structure and language change.
- The impact of language structure on worldview and perception.
- The concept of linguistic relativity and the differences in how languages categorize the world.
- Sapir's views on the "formal completeness" of all languages and the rejection of hierarchical rankings of languages.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Edward Sapir's Views on Language: This introductory chapter sets the stage by outlining Edward Sapir's interdisciplinary approach to linguistics, drawing upon anthropology, psychology, sociology, and philosophy. It highlights Sapir's view of language as a cultural product and a key tool for understanding society. The chapter establishes the scope of the paper, focusing on Sapir's analysis of language's function and form as an arbitrary system of symbols.
Sapir's Definition and Characterization of Language: This section delves into Sapir's definition of language as purely human and non-instinctive, emphasizing its symbolic and voluntary nature. It differentiates Sapir's concept of language from animal communication systems and involuntary human articulations. The chapter meticulously explains how language conceptualizes our world by creating categories for thinking. Sapir's assertion that the world of our experiences needs significant simplification and generalization before symbolic representation is crucial here. Examples of the conceptual nature of linguistic symbols, such as the word "house," are presented to show the abstract nature of language and its categorization of reality.
Language Structure, Language Change, and Worldview: This chapter explores the profound influence of language structure on our perception of the world. It introduces the concept of linguistic relativity, exemplified by the contrasting treatment of time and space in Hopi and Standard Average European (SAE) languages. The chapter also delves into Sapir's concept of "formal completeness," which argues that all languages are equally capable of expressing any idea, despite structural differences. Sapir refutes the traditional hierarchical ranking of languages based on perceived completeness, emphasizing the inherent sufficiency of each language within its own system. This challenges the notion of some languages being inherently superior to others in their ability to convey meaning.
Phonology and the Distinction Between Phonetics and Phonemes: This chapter focuses on the phonological aspects of Sapir's linguistic theory. It distinguishes between phonetics (the physical production of sounds) and phonemes (the mental representation of sounds as meaningful units). Sapir highlights the discrepancy between phonetic reality (the actual sounds produced) and phonemic reality (how sounds are perceived and categorized by speakers). Through examples from German, such as final devoicing and the variation of the initial /s/, the chapter illustrates how speakers often disregard phonetic differences that do not carry meaning. The chapter concludes by emphasizing that only phonemes, not individual phonetic sounds, constitute linguistic elements.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Edward Sapir, linguistics, language, linguistic relativity, symbolic systems, language structure, language change, worldview, phonetics, phonemes, formal completeness, linguistic anthropology, cultural studies.
Frequently Asked Questions: Edward Sapir's Views on Language
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of Edward Sapir's linguistic theories. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords, offering a structured and detailed analysis of Sapir's work for academic use.
What are the key themes explored in Sapir's work as discussed in this document?
The document explores Sapir's definition and characterization of language as a symbolic system, the relationship between language structure and change, the impact of language on worldview and perception (linguistic relativity), the concept of "formal completeness" of all languages, and the distinction between phonetics and phonemes.
How does Sapir define and characterize language?
Sapir defines language as a purely human and non-instinctive system of arbitrary symbols. He emphasizes its symbolic and voluntary nature, differentiating it from animal communication. He highlights how language structures our thinking by creating categories for experiencing the world, requiring simplification and generalization of reality before symbolic representation.
What is linguistic relativity, and how does Sapir address it?
Linguistic relativity is the idea that the structure of a language influences the way its speakers perceive and conceptualize the world. Sapir illustrates this by comparing the treatment of time and space in different languages, such as Hopi and Standard Average European (SAE) languages. He argues that different languages categorize reality differently.
What is the concept of "formal completeness" in Sapir's work?
Sapir's concept of "formal completeness" asserts that all languages possess the capacity to express any idea, regardless of structural differences. He rejects the hierarchical ranking of languages based on perceived completeness, emphasizing the inherent sufficiency of each language within its own system.
What is the distinction between phonetics and phonemes according to Sapir?
Sapir distinguishes between phonetics (the physical production of sounds) and phonemes (the mental representation of sounds as meaningful units). He highlights the difference between phonetic reality (actual sounds produced) and phonemic reality (how sounds are perceived and categorized). Examples from German illustrate how speakers often disregard phonetic variations that do not carry meaning. Only phonemes, not individual phonetic sounds, constitute linguistic elements, according to Sapir.
What are the main chapters covered in this document summarizing Sapir's views?
The document summarizes chapters on Edward Sapir's views on language (introducing his interdisciplinary approach), Sapir's definition and characterization of language (emphasizing its symbolic nature), language structure, language change, and worldview (exploring linguistic relativity and formal completeness), and phonology and the distinction between phonetics and phonemes.
What are the key words associated with Edward Sapir's linguistic theories?
Key words associated with Sapir's theories include: Edward Sapir, linguistics, language, linguistic relativity, symbolic systems, language structure, language change, worldview, phonetics, phonemes, formal completeness, linguistic anthropology, and cultural studies.
- Quote paper
- Britta Sonnenberg (Author), 2004, Edward Sapir's views on language, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/25907
