Chapter 4. The relevance of realism for language evolution theorizing
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Christina Behme
Abstract
It may appear counterintuitive to suggest a connection between language evolution and linguistic realism. Only biological objects evolve but linguistic realism holds that natural languages are abstract objects. However, given the fact that currently no approach to language evolution can account satisfactorily for all aspects of language, I suggest that reconsidering the ontological status of natural languages might lead to novel approaches to language evolution puzzles. Most contemporary work on language evolution assumes without argument that natural languages are either biological entities or produced by biological organs (human brains), and focuses on brain evolution, language acquisition, and communication systems of other primates. Yet, so far such approaches have been unable to account for some aspects of grammar. Furthermore, to date little is known about the bio-physiological implementation of natural languages. I suggest that the debate could profit from paying closer attention to the ontological status of language and the exact relationship between language and biology. Finally, I discuss the kinds of evidence used in linguistic research and demonstrate that, contra to widespread belief, the linguistic Platonist is neither relying on inferior evidence nor ruling out evidence that is clearly relevant to linguistic research.
Abstract
It may appear counterintuitive to suggest a connection between language evolution and linguistic realism. Only biological objects evolve but linguistic realism holds that natural languages are abstract objects. However, given the fact that currently no approach to language evolution can account satisfactorily for all aspects of language, I suggest that reconsidering the ontological status of natural languages might lead to novel approaches to language evolution puzzles. Most contemporary work on language evolution assumes without argument that natural languages are either biological entities or produced by biological organs (human brains), and focuses on brain evolution, language acquisition, and communication systems of other primates. Yet, so far such approaches have been unable to account for some aspects of grammar. Furthermore, to date little is known about the bio-physiological implementation of natural languages. I suggest that the debate could profit from paying closer attention to the ontological status of language and the exact relationship between language and biology. Finally, I discuss the kinds of evidence used in linguistic research and demonstrate that, contra to widespread belief, the linguistic Platonist is neither relying on inferior evidence nor ruling out evidence that is clearly relevant to linguistic research.
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Introduction to Essays on Linguistic Realism vii
- Chapter 1. The ontology of natural language 1
- Chapter 2. What kind of science is linguistics? 7
- Chapter 3. ‘Biolinguistics’ 21
- Chapter 4. The relevance of realism for language evolution theorizing 61
- Chapter 5. Describing linguistic objects in a realist way 79
- Chapter 6. Languages and other abstract structures 139
- Chapter 7. Autonomous Declarative Phonology 185
- Chapter 8. Explaining linguistic facts in a realist theory of word formation 203
- Chapter 9. Cognitive propositions in realist linguistics 235
- Chapter 10. Languages as complete and distinct systems of reference 255
- Chapter 11. The so-called arbitrariness of linguistic signs and Saussure’s ‘realism’ 271
- Index Essays on Linguistic Realism 297
Kapitel in diesem Buch
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Introduction to Essays on Linguistic Realism vii
- Chapter 1. The ontology of natural language 1
- Chapter 2. What kind of science is linguistics? 7
- Chapter 3. ‘Biolinguistics’ 21
- Chapter 4. The relevance of realism for language evolution theorizing 61
- Chapter 5. Describing linguistic objects in a realist way 79
- Chapter 6. Languages and other abstract structures 139
- Chapter 7. Autonomous Declarative Phonology 185
- Chapter 8. Explaining linguistic facts in a realist theory of word formation 203
- Chapter 9. Cognitive propositions in realist linguistics 235
- Chapter 10. Languages as complete and distinct systems of reference 255
- Chapter 11. The so-called arbitrariness of linguistic signs and Saussure’s ‘realism’ 271
- Index Essays on Linguistic Realism 297
