Chapter 2 Biolinguistics in the context of linguistics
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Abstract
This chapter seeks to situate the field of biolinguistics within the broader framework of linguistics, both in terms of its value regarding conceptual shifts and derived issues, and its role in methodological developments that promote interdisciplinarity. It also serves to contextualize the field of biolinguistics within the internal and external dimensions of advances in knowledge about language. In regard to conceptual shifts, the indisputable presence of cognitivism and the comprehensive brain-mind-language perspective (neurocognitive approaches, the ‘connectome’ model, ‘theory of mind’, among others) are of particular significance, along with the impact of these on topics such as the origins of language, plus others that can usefully be revisited in light of convergent evidence, such as language acquisition. The value of a multidisciplinary methodology becomes evident in experimental techniques with novel objective instruments of observation and measurement (evoked potentials, eye tracking, metabolic scanners) that underpin behavioural tests. These techniques are combined with documentation protocols and the evaluation of samples from diverse sources (corpus). The aim is to complement empirical evidence and increase guarantees of convergence. Biolinguistics hence cuts across linguistic practices. It is present in grammar, pragmatics, and linguistic typology. Its marked presence in current linguistics is a result of the undeniable significance of the neuropsychological nature of language, which has been widely acknowledged in linguistics over the past 30 years. External contextual factors have made possible the integration of bio-related issues into topics of language and communication.
Abstract
This chapter seeks to situate the field of biolinguistics within the broader framework of linguistics, both in terms of its value regarding conceptual shifts and derived issues, and its role in methodological developments that promote interdisciplinarity. It also serves to contextualize the field of biolinguistics within the internal and external dimensions of advances in knowledge about language. In regard to conceptual shifts, the indisputable presence of cognitivism and the comprehensive brain-mind-language perspective (neurocognitive approaches, the ‘connectome’ model, ‘theory of mind’, among others) are of particular significance, along with the impact of these on topics such as the origins of language, plus others that can usefully be revisited in light of convergent evidence, such as language acquisition. The value of a multidisciplinary methodology becomes evident in experimental techniques with novel objective instruments of observation and measurement (evoked potentials, eye tracking, metabolic scanners) that underpin behavioural tests. These techniques are combined with documentation protocols and the evaluation of samples from diverse sources (corpus). The aim is to complement empirical evidence and increase guarantees of convergence. Biolinguistics hence cuts across linguistic practices. It is present in grammar, pragmatics, and linguistic typology. Its marked presence in current linguistics is a result of the undeniable significance of the neuropsychological nature of language, which has been widely acknowledged in linguistics over the past 30 years. External contextual factors have made possible the integration of bio-related issues into topics of language and communication.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- Introduction 1
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Section I: The biolinguistic enterprise
- Chapter 1 A short history of biolinguistics 19
- Chapter 2 Biolinguistics in the context of linguistics 45
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Section II: The quest for interdisciplinarity and the challenges of technification
- Chapter 3 The naturalistic tradition of biolinguistics and the study of child phonology 91
- Chapter 4 Psycholinguistics and biolinguistics 119
- Chapter 5 New techniques in neurolinguistics 159
- Chapter 6 The biological basis of language: insights from genetic studies of developmental language disorders 177
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Section III: Theorizing biolinguistics
- Chapter 7 The nature of language and the structure of reality 207
- Chapter 8 Biolinguistics and human language evolution: On symbolism, language, and language evolution 237
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Section IV: Going practical: The applicability of biolinguistics findings
- Chapter 9 Language disorders through the lens of biolinguistics 279
- Chapter 10 Approaching language and aging from a biolinguistic perspective 307
- Chapter 11 Biolinguistics and its impact on language teaching: Achievements and prospects 331
- Chapter 12 Biocultural evolution and human language diversity 359
- Index 381
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- Introduction 1
-
Section I: The biolinguistic enterprise
- Chapter 1 A short history of biolinguistics 19
- Chapter 2 Biolinguistics in the context of linguistics 45
-
Section II: The quest for interdisciplinarity and the challenges of technification
- Chapter 3 The naturalistic tradition of biolinguistics and the study of child phonology 91
- Chapter 4 Psycholinguistics and biolinguistics 119
- Chapter 5 New techniques in neurolinguistics 159
- Chapter 6 The biological basis of language: insights from genetic studies of developmental language disorders 177
-
Section III: Theorizing biolinguistics
- Chapter 7 The nature of language and the structure of reality 207
- Chapter 8 Biolinguistics and human language evolution: On symbolism, language, and language evolution 237
-
Section IV: Going practical: The applicability of biolinguistics findings
- Chapter 9 Language disorders through the lens of biolinguistics 279
- Chapter 10 Approaching language and aging from a biolinguistic perspective 307
- Chapter 11 Biolinguistics and its impact on language teaching: Achievements and prospects 331
- Chapter 12 Biocultural evolution and human language diversity 359
- Index 381
