Voyage into Language

Space and the Linguistic Encounter, 1500–1800

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism
Cover of the book Voyage into Language by David B. Paxman, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: David B. Paxman ISBN: 9781351874151
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: March 2, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: David B. Paxman
ISBN: 9781351874151
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: March 2, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

In this new study, author David Paxman demonstrates that ordinary spatial concepts, together with the changing sense of the earth's space brought about by exploration, navigation, and mapping exerted a strong influence on linguistic thought. Paxman illuminates how our thinking about language as a whole, as well as our exploration of languages, developed in ways parallel to our thinking about and exploration of the space we live in, our planet. To the factors to which scholars have generally attributed language thought in the early modern period-the refinement of tools in phonetics, grammar and linguistic history, and the increasing exposure to diverse languages as the world was explored and colonized-Paxman here adds another: spatial exploration and the novel application of spatial concepts. He suggests that language was an unfamiliar space that Europe entered and navigated, facing challenges similar to those posed by terrestrial navigation. He argues that spatial experience influenced linguistic thought in two ways. First, ordinary spatial experience-terrain and boundaries, near and far, journeys and paths, etc.-provided conceptual structures, often novel or inventive, that guided those who investigated the properties of language. Second, expanding horizons, the sense of terrestrial space, and recognition of the difficulties of representing and navigating a spherical earth contributed directly to language thought by offering conceptual structures applicable to this different and equally challenging domain. While Voyage into Language does contribute to the history of linguistics, more broadly it is a treatment of intellectual and cultural history, and an application of cognitive science to language study of the past. As such, it holds appeal for historians and literary scholars as well as linguists.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In this new study, author David Paxman demonstrates that ordinary spatial concepts, together with the changing sense of the earth's space brought about by exploration, navigation, and mapping exerted a strong influence on linguistic thought. Paxman illuminates how our thinking about language as a whole, as well as our exploration of languages, developed in ways parallel to our thinking about and exploration of the space we live in, our planet. To the factors to which scholars have generally attributed language thought in the early modern period-the refinement of tools in phonetics, grammar and linguistic history, and the increasing exposure to diverse languages as the world was explored and colonized-Paxman here adds another: spatial exploration and the novel application of spatial concepts. He suggests that language was an unfamiliar space that Europe entered and navigated, facing challenges similar to those posed by terrestrial navigation. He argues that spatial experience influenced linguistic thought in two ways. First, ordinary spatial experience-terrain and boundaries, near and far, journeys and paths, etc.-provided conceptual structures, often novel or inventive, that guided those who investigated the properties of language. Second, expanding horizons, the sense of terrestrial space, and recognition of the difficulties of representing and navigating a spherical earth contributed directly to language thought by offering conceptual structures applicable to this different and equally challenging domain. While Voyage into Language does contribute to the history of linguistics, more broadly it is a treatment of intellectual and cultural history, and an application of cognitive science to language study of the past. As such, it holds appeal for historians and literary scholars as well as linguists.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Globalisation and Citizenship by David B. Paxman
Cover of the book The Global Political Economy of Intellectual Property Rights by David B. Paxman
Cover of the book Doing Business In Latin America by David B. Paxman
Cover of the book Striking a Balance by David B. Paxman
Cover of the book Successful Middle Leadership in Secondary Schools by David B. Paxman
Cover of the book The Use of Psychological Testing for Treatment Planning and Outcomes Assessment by David B. Paxman
Cover of the book Why Men Buy Sex by David B. Paxman
Cover of the book Religion, Equalities, and Inequalities by David B. Paxman
Cover of the book Quantum Theory and the Schism in Physics by David B. Paxman
Cover of the book Gender Equity in Health by David B. Paxman
Cover of the book The Industrial Development of Birmingham and the Black Country, 1860-1927 by David B. Paxman
Cover of the book Sport, Culture and Society by David B. Paxman
Cover of the book The International Criminal Court and Peace Processes in Africa by David B. Paxman
Cover of the book The Transformation of Commercial Banking in the United States, 1956-1991 by David B. Paxman
Cover of the book The Workers' State Meets the Market by David B. Paxman
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy