An Argument for Languages in Languaging

Filippo Batisti

doi:10.4396/2021201

Filippo Batisti

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4396/2021201

Parole chiave: Languaging, Linguistic diversity, Linguistic relativity, Distributed language approach, Interaction, Conversation Analysis

Abstract

This paper examines how the idea that there are different languages is treated by approaches that employ the notion of «languaging», focusing on Love and Cowley. It seems that within their critical reconsideration of the traditional view of what «language» is the importance of languages (i.e., linguistic diversity) is downplayed. Against this view, this paper argues that languages are indeed a relevant factor in shaping people’s actions, perception, thinking, etc. Arguments in support of thesis can be found in the most recent studies in linguistic relativity. They are focused on the interactional and situated features of human linguistic activity, just like «languaging» is concerned with embodied coordinated interactivity. However, points of theorical divergence remain. Moreover, the ontological tenets in languaging seem to get in the way of a reconciliation.

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