A History of Modern Linguistics: From the Beginnings to World War II

This book provides a sociological approach to the history of linguistics,examining the connections between linguistics and neighbouring fields,and focusing on historical figures and the social and political contexts that shaped their ideas and methods. It offers extensive suggestions for further reading and is a valuable resource for students and scholars of linguistics and related disciplines.
A History of Modern Linguistics is a comprehensive sociological account of the development of modern linguistics from its emergence in the early 19th century to the end of World War II. It explores the interactions between key figures in the field, their controversies, and the social and political contexts that shaped their ideas and methods. The book also discusses the contributions of neighboring fields such as philosophy, psychology, and anthropology to linguistic research. It provides a valuable resource for students and scholars of linguistics and related disciplines.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

The book also provides extensive suggestions for further reading,making it an invaluable resource for students and scholars of linguistics and related disciplines.

Early in the 19th century, linguistics emerged as a distinct field of study. The roots of this discipline can be traced back to the work of scholars such as Franz Boas, who pioneered the scientific study of language. Boas believed that language was not a fixed entity, but rather a complex system that evolved over time through social interaction. He also argued that language was not universal, but rather specific to different cultures and societies.

Another important figure in the development of linguistics was Edward Sapir, who is considered the father of American anthropology. Sapir believed that language was not just a tool for communication, but also a reflection of the culture and society in which it was used. He also argued that language was not static, but rather constantly evolving and changing.

In the early 20th century, linguistics began to expand and diversify. The work of scholars such as Ferdinand de Saussure, who developed the structuralist approach to language, and Noam Chomsky, who proposed the generative grammar model, revolutionized the field. These scholars argued that language was not just a collection of words and phrases, but rather a complex system of rules and structures that governed the production and comprehension of language.

During World War II, linguistics faced significant challenges. Many scholars were forced to flee to different countries, and the field was heavily influenced by the political and social context of the time. For example, the rise of fascism in Europe led to the development of linguistic theories that were used to justify racial superiority and discrimination.

Despite these challenges, linguistics continued to evolve and grow. In the post-war period, the field expanded to include new areas such as cognitive linguistics, which focused on the mental processes involved in language production and comprehension. The field also began to address issues of gender, race, and social inequality, which had been neglected in previous research.

In conclusion, A History of Modern Linguistics is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of linguistics. The book offers a comprehensive and engaging account of the field's development from its early beginnings to the present day. By examining the connections between linguistics and neighbouring fields, and by focusing on historical figures and the social and political contexts that shaped their ideas and methods, the book provides a valuable insight into the complex and dynamic nature of this discipline.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474470018