Language


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1 The nature and functions of language, the speech of men and brutes.
2 The role of language in thought and behavior.
3 The service of language to society, linguistic forms and social structure.
4 Theories of the origin of language.
5 The hypothesis of one natural language for all men.
6 The genesis of conventional languages, the origin of alphabets.
7 The growth of language.
8 The acquisition of language, the invention of words and the proliferation of meanings.
9 The spoken and written word in the development of language.
10 Tradition and the life of languages, language games.
11 The art of grammar.
12 Syntax, the parts and units of speech.
13 Standards of correctness in the use of language, grammatical errors.
14 The imperfections of language, failures in communication.
15 The abuse of words, ambiguity, imprecision, obscurity, the corruption of language.
16 for political motives.
17 Insignificant speech, meaninglessness, absurdity.
18 The difficulties of using language in the describing of reality.
19 The improvement of speech, the ideal of a perfect language.
20 Grammar and logic, the formulation and statement of knowledge.
21 Grammar and rhetoric, the effective use of language in teaching and persuasion.
22 The language of poetry, the poet's enchantment with language.
23 The language of things and events, the book of nature, the symbolism of dreams, prophetic signs.
24 Immediate communication, the speech of angels and the gift of tongues.
25 The language of God or the gods, the deliverances of the oracles, the inspiration, revelation, and interpretation of Sacred Scripture.


All text from the Outlines is Copyright ©1990 Encyclopedia Britannica Inc.; this electronic edition is Copyright© 2005 by Michael R. Lissack and reproduced by permission.