Language: Its Nature, Development and Origin

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

53038

Title

Language: Its Nature, Development and Origin

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Otto Jespersen presents a historical and biological approach to linguistics, arguing that language is a human habit rather than a living organism. This seminal work traces the evolution of linguistic science from pre-1800 eras through modern developments, exploring child language acquisition, individual speech changes, and the ultimate origins of human communication.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Language: Its Nature, Development and Origin*, Otto Jespersen fundamentally redefines linguistic science by shifting focus from static rules to historical development and biological function. He critiques the metaphor of language as an independent 'living organism,' arguing instead that it is merely a function of human activity and social custom. Jespersen insists that words are habitual acts designed to evoke ideas in others, comparable to social gestures like taking off one's hat. The work is structured into four main sections. The first surveys the history of linguistic science, highlighting pivotal figures such as Rasmus Rask and Jacob Grimm. Jespersen praises Rask for his methodical approach to comparative grammar and his ability to infer prehistoric states of language from living speech, noting that grammatical systems are more stable than vocabularies. Similarly, he credits the Grimm brothers with extending philology beyond classical texts to include popular dialects and folklore, thereby democratizing linguistic study. The second section examines the acquisition of language by children. Drawing on his own observations of Danish children, Jespersen details how speech sounds, words, and grammar are learned. He contrasts this rich empirical data with the lack of similar studies for English speakers at the time, urging further research into child language development to understand broader linguistic evolution. The third section addresses the influence of individuals on speech, including foreigners, women, and pidgin languages. Jespersen explores how individual changes accumulate over time, challenging the dogma of 'blind sound-laws' and proposing an 'energetic view' where speakers actively shape their language to meet social needs. He questions what constitutes 'correct' usage versus natural evolution. Finally, the fourth section tackles the ultimate origin of speech and the debate between progress and decay. Jespersen suggests that while individual changes vary, humanity has generally moved forward in linguistic capabilities. He rejects romantic notions of a primitive golden age, favoring an inductive method based on historical evidence. Ultimately, he presents a systematic theory where language evolves driven by biological constraints and social necessity, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding the nature and development of human speech.

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4.2/5

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Categories

• Language