The Medieval Life of Language: Grammar and Pragmatics from Bacon to Kempe

The book "The Medieval Life of Language: Grammar and Pragmatics from Bacon to Kempe" explores the complex history of medieval pragmatic theory and ideas, revealing pragmatic thinking across social discourses. It discusses grammatical treatises, sign theory, logic texts, poetry, inquisitors' accounts, and life-writing, contrasting medieval and contemporary pragmatic theory. The book demonstrates how pragmatic discourse influenced social controversies and attitudes toward speech.

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2021
Publisher: Amsterdam University Press

The Medieval Life of Language: Grammar and Pragmatics from Bacon to Kempe delves into the intricate and multifaceted history of medieval pragmatic theory and ideas, as well as the metapragmatic awareness prevalent across various social discourses. Grammar, semiotics, philosophy, and literature all provide insights into pragmatic thinking regarding language and communication. This work combines elements of historical reconstruction, social history, language theory, and more to offer a comprehensive examination of medieval linguistics. It explores the pragmatic implications of grammatical treatises on interjections, Bacon's sign theory, logic texts, Chaucer's poetry, inquisitors' accounts of heretic speech, and life-writing by William Thorpe and Margery Kempe. By contrasting medieval and contemporary pragmatic theory, Amsler examines their philosophical and linguistic orientations. The book demonstrates how pragmatic discourse shaped social controversies and attitudes toward sincere, vague, and heretical speech. Drawing upon Bakhtinian dialogism, critical discourse analysis, and conversation analysis, Amsler situates a significant period in the history of linguistics within the broader social and discursive fields of practice.

The Medieval Life of Language: Grammar and Pragmatics from Bacon to Kempe explores the complex history of medieval pragmatic theory and ideas, as well as the metapragmatic awareness prevalent across various social discourses. Grammar, semiotics, philosophy, and literature all provide insights into pragmatic thinking regarding language and communication. This work combines elements of historical reconstruction, social history, language theory, and more to offer a comprehensive examination of medieval linguistics. It explores the pragmatic implications of grammatical treatises on interjections, Bacon's sign theory, logic texts, Chaucer's poetry, inquisitors' accounts of heretic speech, and life-writing by William Thorpe and Margery Kempe. By contrasting medieval and contemporary pragmatic theory, Amsler examines their philosophical and linguistic orientations. The book demonstrates how pragmatic discourse shaped social controversies and attitudes toward sincere, vague, and heretical speech. Drawing upon Bakhtinian dialogism, critical discourse analysis, and conversation analysis, Amsler situates a significant period in the history of linguistics within the broader social and discursive fields of practice.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789463721929