12Chapter 12_schools胡壮麟语言学第二版.pptVIP

Chapter 12Theories of Linguistics Introduction Ferdinand de Saussure (1957—1913) Father of modern linguistics/a master of a discipline which he made modern Course in General Linguistics His work marked the beginning of modern linguistics Saussure was the first to notice the complexities of language. He believed that language is a SYSTEM OF SIGNS. Noises count as language only when they serve to express or communicate ideas; otherwise they are nothing but noise. The sign is the union of a form and idea, which Saussure called the signifier and the signified. Saussure’s answers to these questions serve to direct our attention to essentials of language and make clear the object of study for linguistics as a science. The arbitrariness of sign, relational nature of linguistic units, the distinction of Langue and Parole, the distinction of Synchronic and Diachronic linguistics Functionalism Formalism 1. The functional perspective The Prague School The London School 1.1 The Prague School Prague Linguistic Circle: Started by V. Mathesius (1882-1946) in 1926, with such activists as R. Jakobson (1896-1982), N. Trubetzkoy (1890-1938) and later J. Firbas (1921-2000). The Circle stood at the heart of important developments in structural linguistics and semiotics in the 1930s. Three important points: Stressed synchronic linguistics, but not rigidly separated from diachronic studies. L is systemic in that no element of L can be satisfactorily analyzed or evaluated in isolation and assessment can only be made if its relationship is established with the coexisting elements in the same language system. L is functional in that it is a tool for performing a number of essential functions or tasks for the community using it. 1.1.1 Prague School Phonology N. Trubetzkoy: Principle of Phonology (1939). Phonetics phonology: different for parole langue. Phoneme: an abstract unit of the sound system. Distinctive features: phonological oppositions. 1.1.2 Trubetzkoy’s contributions