Esa Itkonen

Iconicity, analogy, and universal grammar

Abstract In this paper I shall consider the notion of structural iconicity (or isomorphism) as it is used to explain putative universals of language. Iconicity turns out to be a special case of the more comprehensive notion of analogy. The type of universal grammar based on analogy is contrasted with the one based on modularity.

Concerning the generative paradigm

Abstract This paper is a critical evaluation of the generative paradigm. The following aspects of this paradigm will be singled out for discussion: The definition of language, the concept of language acquisition, the concept of universal grammar, and the methodological notions of falsification and explanation.

Causality in linguistic theory : a critical investigation into the philosophical and methodological foundations of 'non-autonomous' linguistics

The author seeks to examine the methodological and philosophical status of non-autonomous, that is, causal linguistics.

The use and misuse of the principle of axiomatics in linguistics

Abstract Certain fundamental questions concerning the methodology of grammatical descriptions are discussed in this paper. Linguistics and logic are shown to have important characteristics in common. It is also shown, on the other hand, that the principle of recursivity, borrowed from logic, has been applied rather blindly to linguistics.

On Explaining Language Change

Roger Lass is concerned about the nature of argumentation within linguistics and the status of its data and theoretical constructs. Through an examination of standard strategies of explanation in historical linguistics (particularly of phonological change), in the light of past approaches to scientific epistemology, Dr Lass convincingly demonstrates that attempts to model explanations of linguistic change on those of the physical sciences are failures both in practice and in principle. Linguists can neither assimilate their discipline crudely to the natural or the other human sciences nor, at the other extreme, shelter behind the notion of a private self-validating paradigm. Although Dr Lass outlines some tentative paths towards an alternative epistemology, his main concern is that linguists should confront the philosophical implications of their subject, and he raises questions which both linguists and philosophers will need to consider.

Linguistics as a System of Distinct Types of Ontology-Cum-Methodology

So far, there is practically no genuine philosophy of linguistics, in spite of the fact that the corresponding term exists. Those who presumably practice philosophy of linguistics do not consider linguistics as it really is, i.e. a system consisting of several subdisciplines each of which has its own ontology-cum-methodology. Instead, they concentrate on a couple of questions (like ‘What is language?’ or ‘Is language innate?’) and ignore everything else.