What is it about?
Analyses the logic of modern synchronic linguistics and demonstrates the logical flaws of synchronic approaches to the study of languages. The Saussurean dichotomy - synchrony : diachrony - is empirically irrelevant.. Sets up a definition system for the description/explanation of language processes. Rehabilitates Hermann Paul's 1880-position and language theory
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Why is it important?
Demonstrates in greater detail than Hermann Paul's 1880-Prinzipien der Sprachgeschichte does that "eine nichtgeschichtliche und doch wissenschaftliche Betrachtung der Sprache" is nothing but "eine unvollkommen geschichtliche" analysis, incomplete and imperfect "teils durch Schuld des Betrachters, teils durch Schuld des Beobachtungsmateriel".,
Perspectives
Modern linguists should focus on the logic of their theories!
Dr Erik W. Hansen
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This page is a summary of: The Synchronic Fallacy (review), Language, January 2002, Project Muse,
DOI: 10.1353/lan.2003.0042.
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