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Formalism and functionalism in linguistics
Frederick J Newmeyer1,2,3
1Department of Linguistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Cognitive Science
|August 15, 2015
Summary
Formalism and functionalism in linguistics are complementary, not opposed. Researchers can integrate formal linguistic analysis with functionalist perspectives without contradiction.
Area of Science:
- Linguistics
- Theoretical Linguistics
Background:
- The traditional view posits formalism and functionalism as opposing linguistic theories.
- This perspective often overlooks the potential for integration between these approaches.
Discussion:
- This article challenges the dichotomy between linguistic formalism and functionalism.
- It argues for their complementary nature in analyzing language structure and use.
Key Insights:
- Formal and functional linguistic frameworks can be reconciled.
- Linguistic analysis can benefit from integrating both formal and functional perspectives.
Outlook:
- Future research should explore integrated models of linguistic analysis.
- This reconciliation offers a more comprehensive understanding of language.
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