Language Turned on Itself

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Language Turned on Itself

Regular price $17.99
Condition - very good
1 in stock
Regular price $17.99
Condition - very good
1 in stock
Summary

This is the first book devoted to the question of how language can be used to talk about language. Cappelen and Lepore examine the semantics, the pragmatics, and the syntax of linguistic devices that can be used in this way, and present a new account of our use of quotation in a variety of different contexts.

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Language Turned on Itself by Herman Cappelen

Language Turned on Itself examines what happens when language becomes self-reflexive; when language is used to talk about language. Those who think, talk, and write about language are habitual users of various metalinguistic devices, but reliance on these devices begins early: kids are told, 'That's called a "rabbit"'. It's not implausible that a primitive capacity for the meta-linguistic kicks in at the beginning stages of language acquisition. But no matter when or how frequently these devices are invoked, one thing is clear: they present theorists of language with a complex data pattern. Herman Cappelen and Ernest Lepore show that the study of these devices and patterns not only represents an interesting and neglected project in the philosophy of language, but also carries important consequences for other parts of philosophy. Part I is devoted to presenting data about various aspects of our metalinguistic practices. In Part II, the authors examine and reject the four leading metalinguistic theories, and offer a new account of our use of quotation in a variety of different contexts. But the primary goal of this book is not to promote one theory over another. Rather, it is to present a deeply puzzling set of problems and explain their significance
Herman Cappelen is Arché Professor of Philosophy at the University of St Andrews.; Ernie Lepore is Professor of Philosophy at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
SKU GOR009660657
ISBN 13 9780199575527
ISBN 10 0199575525
Title Language Turned on Itself
Author Herman Cappelen
Condition very good
Binding type Paperback
Publisher Oxford University Press
Year published 2009-11-26
Number of pages 182
Cover note Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us