Language as a system of norms and the Voloshinovian critique of abstract objectivism
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Mikko Laasanen
Abstract
Valentin Voloshinov’s philosophy of linguistics is sometimes presented as an alternative to the Saussurean doctrine, especially in the dialogical approach to language. The purpose of this study is to review Voloshinov’s philosophy of linguistics and to critically examine his critique of the Saussurean position, which he calls abstract objectivism, in order to determine whether his critique is accurate, and to ascertain whether his concept of linguistics offers a viable alternative to the Saussurean position. The analysis of Voloshinov’s critique is based on the key Saussurean concepts of langue, parole and synchrony. In addition, the study also discusses Voloshinov’s theory of meaning, the role of written language in linguistic study and the normativity of language. Based on the results of the study, Voloshinov’s philosophy of linguistics does not offer a viable alternative to the Saussurean position, as it presupposes it.
Abstract
Valentin Voloshinov’s philosophy of linguistics is sometimes presented as an alternative to the Saussurean doctrine, especially in the dialogical approach to language. The purpose of this study is to review Voloshinov’s philosophy of linguistics and to critically examine his critique of the Saussurean position, which he calls abstract objectivism, in order to determine whether his critique is accurate, and to ascertain whether his concept of linguistics offers a viable alternative to the Saussurean position. The analysis of Voloshinov’s critique is based on the key Saussurean concepts of langue, parole and synchrony. In addition, the study also discusses Voloshinov’s theory of meaning, the role of written language in linguistic study and the normativity of language. Based on the results of the study, Voloshinov’s philosophy of linguistics does not offer a viable alternative to the Saussurean position, as it presupposes it.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Foreword vii
- Norms and normativity in language and linguistics 1
- Concerning the scope of normativity 29
- Norms of language 69
- A primer for linguistic normativists 103
- The normative basis of construal 125
- Language as a system of norms and the Voloshinovian critique of abstract objectivism 151
- Linguistic variation and change 183
- Intuition and beyond 213
- Norms of correctness and rationality in research on code-switching 235
- Index 269
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Foreword vii
- Norms and normativity in language and linguistics 1
- Concerning the scope of normativity 29
- Norms of language 69
- A primer for linguistic normativists 103
- The normative basis of construal 125
- Language as a system of norms and the Voloshinovian critique of abstract objectivism 151
- Linguistic variation and change 183
- Intuition and beyond 213
- Norms of correctness and rationality in research on code-switching 235
- Index 269
