Author Description
Based around seven primary texts spanning 130 years, this volume explores the conceptual boundaries of structuralism, a scholarly movement and associated body of doctrines foundational to modern linguistics and many other humanities and social sciences. Each chapter in the volume presents a classic ― and yet today underappreciated ― text that addresses questions crucial to the evolution of structuralism. The texts are made accessible to present-day English-speaking readers through translation and extensive critical notes; each text is also accompanied by a detailed introduction that places it in its intellectual and historical context and outlines the insights that it contains. The volume reveals the complex genealogy of our ideas and enriches our understanding of their contemporary form and use.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This volume investigates the conceptual boundaries of structuralism by examining seven underappreciated texts that shaped the evolution of modern linguistics. James McElvenny, a scholar in the history of linguistics, provides a critical framework to re-evaluate these foundational documents. By translating and contextualizing these works, the author demonstrates how historical intellectual shifts continue to influence contemporary humanities and social sciences.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Analysis of seven primary texts spanning 130 years of linguistic history.
- English translations of historically significant but overlooked scholarly works.
- Detailed introductions placing each text within its specific intellectual and historical context.
Scope Limits
- The volume does not provide a comprehensive history of all structuralist thought.
- It does not focus on contemporary applications of structuralism outside of the humanities and social sciences.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Experts recognize this work as a valuable resource for students and researchers interested in the genealogy of linguistic theory. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose and the utility of the critical notes provided for each translated text.
Page Count:
336
Publication Date:
2023-06-23
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192849042
ISBN-13:
9780192849045
Philosophy
Academic
Structuralism
Philosophy of
Science History
Linguistics