Bronisław Malinowski

John Rupert Firth, a key figure in British linguistics, and Bronisław Malinowski, a famed anthropologist, dive into the evolution of meaning in language. They discuss Firth's 'context of situation' theory and its empirical approach, contrasting it with German perspectives. Malinowski explores 'word magic' and the societal power of language, critiquing colonial biases and emphasizing cultural contexts. Their conversation reflects on how language shapes rational thought, political discourse, and the nuances of effective communication.