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…

Language planning involves decisions of two basic types: those pertaining to language choice and those pertaining to language development. Linguistic theory is needed to evaluate the structural suitability of candidate languages, since both official and national languages must have a high level of standardization as a cultural necessity. On the…

Proposes a metatheoretical basis for an epistemology of linguistics. (AM)

The author feels that it is legitimate to center a survey of the language sciences around the field of linguistics. This survey is based in part on his own view of the scientific study of language, and in part on an informal sampling of the literature available to him. He gives first a characterization of the field of linguistics, then a…

The author considers it essential that linguists develop the means to communicate their findings to those who may need them. The applications of linguistics have spread far beyond the traditional field of foreign language study to native language acquisition, social functions of speech differences, literacy, language standardization,…

This paper asks whether the imprecision and complexity of natural language, as opposed to the language of science or logic, represent flaws or essential functional properties. It is argued that ambiguity can be manipulated by the speaker through environmentally derived characteristics. A discussion follows on the study of the functions of language…