History and Philosophy of the Language Sciences

Podcast episode 17: Philipp Wegener and the beginnings of functionalism

Aug 31, 2021
Philipp Wegener, a key figure in the early development of functional linguistics, shares his groundbreaking ideas on language as a dynamic action rather than a simple reflection of thought. He dives into how language directs attention and shapes communication, emphasizing the importance of shared cultural contexts and consciousness in interpreting meaning. Wegener critiques traditional psychological theories and discusses the intricate relationship between language and psychological understanding, ultimately highlighting the evolution of linguistic concepts.
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