LINGUIST List 25.3052
Sat
Jul 26 2014
Qs: Role of content in
'value' of a language
Editor for this issue:
Anna White <awhitelinguistlist.org>
Date: 09-Jul-2014
From: Thomas Hale
<tah
psu.edu>
Subject: Role of content in
'value' of a language
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Promoters of the French language often cite not
only what they see as the
intrinsic 'value' of the language, stemming
from its 'clarity,' usage in
diplomacy, number of speakers, etc., but also
the 'prestigious content'
that it has conveyed--e.g. the Rights of Man.
In thls view, the message
contributes to the 'intrinsic' 'value' or
'prestige' of the language. Is
there a linguistic term for the supposed
'transfer' of 'value' from ideas
formulated in the language to the language
itself? The entire concept is
absurd, but I'm looking for a term that might
signify such a transfer.
Linguistic Field(s): Philosophy of Language
Page Updated: 26-Jul-2014