Formalism and Functionalism in Linguistics (Routledge Focus on Linguistics) - Softcover

Book 6 of 9: Routledge Focus on Linguistics

Thomas, Margaret

 
9780367787844: Formalism and Functionalism in Linguistics (Routledge Focus on Linguistics)
Softcover
ISBN 10: 0367787849 ISBN 13: 9780367787844
Publisher: Routledge, 2021

Synopsis

This volume is a concise introduction to the lively ongoing debate between formalist and functionalist approaches to the study of language. The book grounds its comparisons between the two in both historical and contemporary contexts where, broadly speaking, formalists’ focus on structural relationships and idealized linguistic data contrasts with functionalists’ commitment to analyzing real language used as a communicative tool. The book highlights key sub-varieties, proponents, and critiques of each respective approach. It concludes by comparing formalist versus functionalist contributions in three domains of linguistic research: in the analysis of specific grammatical constructions; in the study of language acquisition; and in interdisciplinary research on the origins of language. Taken together, the volume opens insight into an important tension in linguistic theory, and provides students and scholars with a more nuanced understanding of the structure of the discipline of modern linguistics.

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About the Author

Margaret Thomas is Professor of Linguistics in the Department of Slavic and Eastern Languages and Literatures at Boston College, USA.

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Publisher
Routledge
Publication date
2021
Language
English
ISBN 10 
0367787849
ISBN 13 
9780367787844
Binding
Paperback
Edition number
1
Number of pages
126

Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9781138316119: Formalism and Functionalism in Linguistics (Routledge Focus on Linguistics)

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  1138316113 ISBN 13:  9781138316119
Publisher: Routledge, 2019
Hardcover