Theory groups and the study of language in North America : a social history / Stephen O. Murray.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Murray, Stephen O.

Series:

Amsterdam studies in the theory and history of linguistic science. Studies in the history of the language sciences ; Series III, v. 69.

Amsterdam studies in the theory and history of linguistic science. Series III, Studies in the history of the language sciences, 0304-0720 ; v. 69

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Linguistics--United States--History.

Linguistics.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (614 p.)

Place of Publication:

Amsterdam ; Philadelphia : John Benjamins, c1994.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Based on extensive archival research, interviews, and participant observation over the course of two decades, Theory Groups in the Study of Language in North America provides a detailed social history of traditions and revolutionary challenges to traditions within North American linguistics, especially within 20th-century anthropological linguistics. After showing substantial differences between Bloomfield's and neo-Bloomfieldian theorizing, Murray shows that early transformational-generative work on syntax grew out of neo-Bloomfieldian structuralism, and was promoted by neo-Bloomfieldian gatekeepers, in particular longtime Language editor Bernard Bloch. The central case studies of the book contrast the (increasingly) revolutionary rhetoric of transformational-generative grammarians with rhetorics of continuity emitted by two linguistic anthropology groupings that began simultaneously with TGG in the late-1950s, the ethnography of communication and ethnoscience.The history of linguistics in North America provides a continuum from isolated scholars to successful groups dominating entire disciplines. Although focused on groupings both invisible colleges and readily visible institutions Murray discusses those writing about language in society who were not participants in theory groups or schools both before and after the three central case studies. He provides a theory of social bases for claiming to be making scientific revolution in contrast to building on sound traditions, and suggests non-cognitive reasons for success in the often rhetorically violent contention of perspectives about language in North America during the last century and a half.The book includes appendices explaining the methodology used, an extensive bibliography, and an index."

Notes:

An earlier version was presented as the author's thesis (Ph. D.)--1979.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

1-283-12194-8

9786613121943

90-272-8496-2

OCLC:

721928033