Linguistics Theory, Foundations, and Modern Development

An Overview of Linguistics and Linguistic Applications

On the Origins of Linguistics

Ancient Linguistics: Babylon and India

Introduction

Linguistic Assumptions and Priciples

On the Origins of Linguistics

Not long after language evolved into our species, people began to study the nature of language. For many of them, it was merely practical - different tribes spoke different languages. Others wondered why this difference existed. For the ancient Hebrews, the variety in languages was explained by the myth of the Tower of Babel, recorded in Genesis. Throughout the history of linguistics as a philosophical pursuit, an anthropological tool, and a science in its own right, there have been those who believed that there was at one point a single, unified language.

Some have even believed that if this original language was discovered, it would establish the dominance of the race which had "created" it, in a sense. Of course, many of these same researchers firmly believe that their language, and therefore their race, was the superior race and language. Modern linguists recognize that there are no underdeveloped languages. All languages are infinitely extensible, and there is no "proper" way to use any language, as the form itself constantly changes, much like a living organism.

Ancient Linguistics: Babylon and India

Introduction

Linguistic Assumptions and Priciples

Linguistics Index

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