New Books in the History of Science
James McElvenny, "A History of Modern Linguistics: From the Beginnings to World War II" (Edinburgh UP, 2024)
Apr 9, 2024
Ingrid Piller interviews James McElvenny about his book on the history of modern linguistics, covering the emergence of the discipline in 19th century Germany and its transition to an American science. They discuss key figures, controversies, and the societal influence on linguistic ideas. Topics include methodological breakthroughs, the evolution of linguistic study, and the dichotomy between science and humanities in linguistics.
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Quick takeaways
- German nationalism influenced the development of modern linguistics by emphasizing linguistic research as a means to unite the German national consciousness.
- Sapir-Whorf hypothesis highlights the interplay between language and thought, emphasizing how language shapes worldview and influences cognitive processes.
Deep dives
The Origins of Writing Modern Linguistics
The history of modern linguistics is traced back to the establishment of modern research universities, particularly with the University of Berlin in the early 19th century. This period marked the beginning of a distinct discipline that focused on university-level study of linguistics. The discipline aimed to move away from traditional philology and focus on the structure and forms of languages as a key object of study. The shift towards disciplinary linguistics emphasized grammar and forms, departing from the traditional focus on literature and culture found in earlier linguistic studies.
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