The Language Myth in Western Culture

Routledge Advances in Communication and Linguistic Theory

by Roy Harris (Editor)

The basic claim of this book is that for 2000 years and more the western tradition has relied on two very dubious assumptions about human communication: that each national language is a unique code and that linguistic communication consists in the utilization of such codes to transfer messages from mind to mind.

Genres: Linguistics, Philosophy

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Roy Harris is Emeritus Professor of General Linguistics in the University of Oxford and Honorary Fellow of St Edmund Hall. He has also held university teaching posts in Hong Kong, Boston and Paris and visiting fellowships at universities in South Africa and Australia, and at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study.

Reviews

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Using philosophy, historical and literary analysis, and linguistic theory, Roy Harris shows how the West has developed language ideologies based on telementation and determination of meaning, both of which are essentially myths. Even so, these myths are fundamental to how most linguists approach language. A demythologization of language would reinstitute an approach to language based on creative power and situational context. Few linguists take into consideration the discursive roots of linguistic theory, which perpetuates untenable approaches to language, not only for linguists. Harris' book is a great start.

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important book that questions the linguistic orthodoxy of the 20th and early 21st centuries. Importantly, it engages with the history of the development of our current linguistics, and addresses ways in which we should rethink our approach to language.

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Using philosophy, historical and literary analysis, and linguistic theory, Roy Harris shows how the West has developed language ideologies based on telementation and determination of meaning, both of which are essentially myths. Even so, these myths are fundamental to how most linguists approach language. A demythologization of language would reinstitute an approach to language based on creative power and situational context. Few linguists take into consideration the discursive roots of linguistic theory, which perpetuates untenable approaches to language, not only for linguists. Harris' book is a great start.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guess on the finish date. Start date found on hpg blog. Although maybe a re-reading.