The dissertation presents a theory of semantics and pragmatics for both language and vision. I focus on sentences including proper names, descriptions, and attitude report verbs, and on the Necker cube. I propose the Open Instruction Theory (OIT), according to which the linguistic meaning of a sentence and the semantic contribution of visual…

Describes an evolutionary compositional theory and method based on cause and effect. In Section I, the fundamentals of the theory are presented, in Section II the method of description. Section III compares the evolutionary theory and method with other currents in contemporary linguistic thought. (Author/RM)

The linguistic thought of the nineteenth century is examined to show that the two traditional assumptions about the prescriptive concern for "correctness" are not valid. (HP)

A survey of linguistic history to demonstrate the linguistic basis of logical and mathematical formalism is presented. (HP)

Special issued devoted to language and history. (VM)

It is important that we reflect on the conceptual framework from which our study of language has emerged, since the problems, methods, and aims of what has been called modern linguistics are rapidly being replaced by the concerns of another framework or paradigm. Such new paradigms, to be viable, must not be distorted by starting points that…

A random sampling of linguistic terms, idioms, phrases--drawn mostly from the current linguistic literature in English--is examined to determine what kinds of unrealistic or confusing assumptions about language may be subtly embedded in such expressions. (Author/RM)

Various theories are presented in support of a rationist approach to linguistics. (Author/HP)

Special issue devoted to language and history. (VM)

Intended for people with little or no training in linguistics, this book initially deals with such basic concepts as the definition of linguistics, the nature of language, and the linguistic variations within a society. The discussion then moves to a more detailed, non-historical analysis of language structure, focusing on lexical items,…

A conversation with William Labov in September 1970, is the basis of this paper. Labov, who is working on a new theory of language which essentially makes style the function of grammar, divides linguistic description into the following five interrelated segments: semantic network, oriented semantic network, lexicalization, grammaticalization, and…

This paper examines possible interchanges between cognitive and language processes with particular attention given to concept formation and semantic language development. Aspects of psychological and contemporary linguistic theories are discussed as a way to interrelate the functions of thought and language. The author concludes that while…

This paper represents introductory class material on linguistics. A definition of "linguistics" is attempted through a definition of "science" and "language." The American structuralist conception of linguistics as a science is characterized by the view that linguistics is the application of the inductive methods to the collection and analysis of…

The contrasting views of Saussure and Bloomfield ("mentalist" versus "mechanist"), the hypotheses of Whorf showing the influence of language on certain habits of thought, and Chomsky's notion of generative transformational grammar in the context of language use are reviewed. The author notes the limits of these systems and suggests that in dealing…

This is a bibliography of articles and other works on modality with relation to: (1) logic, (2) linguistics, and (3) semiotics. (Text is in French.) (CDSH/AM)