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.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Characterization of Language
3. Language Structure and World View
4. Phonological Systems
5. Language Change and Drift
6. Artificial International Language
Objectives and Topics
This paper provides a comprehensive overview of Edward Sapir’s linguistic inquiries, focusing on his conceptualization of language as a cultural product and an arbitrary system of symbolism. It explores how Sapir's anthropological background informs his views on language structure, the relationship between language and world view, the dynamics of language change, and his theoretical pursuit of an artificial international language that transcends national limitations.
- Sapir's definition of language as a human, non-instinctive, and voluntary system.
- The structural influence of language on world perception and conceptual categorization.
- The psychological reality of phonemes compared to the technical reality of phonetic elements.
- The mechanisms of internal language drift and structural evolution.
- Sapir’s critical analysis of international auxiliary languages and their potential for human thought.
Excerpt from the Book
The Dynamics of Phonemic Structure
The dynamics of the phonemic structure of the language is important for Sapir’s reflections on language change and drift. On the one hand the silent correction of individual variations by the consensus of usage –as mentioned above- should theoretically prevent any language drift within a speech group, but still sound change is responsible for a major part of structural language change. Two factors are responsible for changes in the language. One is an external one, namely the influence of new members in the speech group, which is obvious and does not need further explanation. But what is much more complex is the internal factor or factors, inhibited in the language. As suggested above, there are numerous individual variations existing parallel within a language. No two persons ever have exactly the same speech habits. Even a single person might apply different speech habits to different contexts and situations. But only certain variations survive and develop towards a new norm, namely those, that fit into the unconscious patterns underlying the language. These patterns are not only responsible for the maintaining of symmetry (of sound groupings for example) and regularity in the language, but Sapir also holds them responsible for allowing a certain variation to be denied or adopted as a new norm.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the scope of the paper, situating Sapir’s work within the broader context of human sciences and anthropology.
2. Characterization of Language: Defines language as a conventional, symbolic system used by humans, distinct from animal communication or instinctive articulations.
3. Language Structure and World View: Analyzes how linguistic structures dictate the classification of reality and shape the conceptual world of speakers.
4. Phonological Systems: Examines the psychological reality of phonemes and argues that phonetic analysis must account for the speaker's mental representation of sound.
5. Language Change and Drift: Discusses the internal mechanisms that drive linguistic change, emphasizing the role of unconscious patterns in selecting individual variations.
6. Artificial International Language: Evaluates Sapir’s critique of existing national languages for international use and his vision for a logical, creative, and universal auxiliary language.
Keywords
Edward Sapir, Linguistics, Anthropological Linguistics, Phonemes, Language Drift, World View, Symbolism, Structuralism, Language Change, Artificial Language, Esperanto, Formal Completeness, Human Sciences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this paper?
The paper examines Edward Sapir's multifaceted views on language, specifically how he integrates linguistic theory with psychology, sociology, and philosophy.
What are the primary themes discussed?
Key themes include the symbolic nature of language, the relationship between language and world view, the internal dynamics of phonetic systems, and the theory of language drift.
What is the main objective of the author?
The goal is to provide a synthesis of Sapir's inquiries into how language functions as an arbitrary system and its role in structuring human experience and thought.
Which methodology is employed in this research?
The paper utilizes a qualitative, descriptive approach, drawing primarily on a textual analysis of Sapir’s seminal writings and those of his students, such as Benjamin Whorf.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The central parts cover the characterization of language, the influence of phonological systems, the mechanisms of language change, and the critique of artificial international languages.
Which keywords best describe this work?
Central terms include structuralism, phonemic reality, language drift, world view, and psychological insight.
How does Sapir define the "phonemic reality" for speakers?
Sapir argues that the average speaker hears language phonemically rather than phonetically; individuals filter out minor phonetic variations that are not meaning-distinguishing within their language.
Why does Sapir propose an artificial international language?
He argues that natural national languages are laden with cultural, political, and imperialistic implications that hinder the "modern analytical spirit," necessitating a more logical and neutral structural frame.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Britta Sonnenberg (Autor:in), 2004, Edward Sapir's views on language, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/25907
