Podcast episode 15: Roman Jakobson, Prague Circle structuralism and phonology
May 31, 2021
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In this fascinating discussion, linguistic pioneers Roman Jakobson and Nikolai Trubetzkoy delve into the groundbreaking contributions of the Prague Linguistic Circle. They explore the evolution of the phoneme, showcasing its pivotal role in modern phonology. The conversation highlights the intriguing interplay between structuralism, Gestalt psychology, and the arts, revealing how melody in music parallels language theory. Jakobson’s insights into avant-garde influences and his intellectual journey during WWII add depth to their transformative legacy.
Roman Jakobson's work in the Prague Linguistic Circle emphasized understanding languages as structured wholes, revolutionizing linguistic analysis.
Jakobson and Trubetzkoi's advancements in phonology established the phoneme as a central concept, influencing modern linguistic theory and analysis.
Deep dives
The Emergence of Linguistic Structuralism
Linguistic structuralism saw significant development in the early 20th century, primarily influenced by Roman Jakobson, who played a crucial role in defining its principles. Initially associated with the Prague Linguistic Circle, Jakobson's efforts linked linguistics with other disciplines such as literary studies and anthropology. The term 'structuralism' was first used in a linguistic context by Jakobson in an article published in 1929, where he emphasized examining languages as structured wholes rather than mere collections of elements. This perspective marked a shift toward understanding language as a complex system governed by internal laws, contrasting sharply with previous mechanical interpretations favored by the Neo-Grammarian school.
Phonology: A Key Area of Structuralism
Jakobson and his colleague Nikolai Trubetzkoi significantly advanced phonological theory, making the concept of the phoneme central to their structuralist approach. They argued that each language selectively utilizes a subset of the vast array of sounds the human vocal apparatus can produce, which has profound implications for linguistic analysis. For instance, English distinguishes between the phonemes 'p' and 'b,' while Hindi recognizes additional phonemes due to its unique sound system. Their insights highlighted the regularities and arbitrary aspects of phonemic variation, establishing the phoneme as a foundational concept in modern linguistics.
Interdisciplinary Influences on Structuralism
The influence of Gestalt psychology significantly shaped the development of structuralism, illustrating a holistic approach to cognition that resonated with the linguistic insights of Jakobson and Trubetzkoi. This interconnectedness is seen in how both fields emphasize understanding wholes before breaking them down into parts, exemplified in phonological analysis where distinct phonemes are examined within the structure of sound systems. Jakobson drew parallels between phonology and musical melodies, reinforcing the idea that the relationships between phonemes are crucial for comprehending language. This cross-pollination of ideas not only enriched linguistic scholarship but also laid the groundwork for structuralism's impact across various academic disciplines during the 20th century.
In this episode, we enter the age of classical structuralism by exploring the phonological research of Roman Jakobson and his colleague Nikolai Trubetzkoy undertaken within the Prague Linguistic Circle.
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Secondary Sources
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Mugdan, Joachim (1985), ‘The origin of the phoneme: farewell to a myth’, Lingua Posnaniensis 28, 137–150. Author’s copy
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