Theory of Language and General Linguistics. On the Foundations of the Model From Speaking to Linguistic Systems (Desde el Hablar a las Lenguas)

Abstract

The present article tries to delimit the concepts of theory of language and general linguistics as well as to establish their place within the theory of knowledge. Theory of language itself is a deductive construct which supplies both universal concepts and modes of speaking whereas general linguistics acts inductively by formulating and verifying general hypotheses. Theory of language is not part of general linguistics; instead, being a prior knowledge to the latter, it is framed within the philosophy of science. Based on Vico’s and Dilthey’s theories, the authors propound general linguistics as a cultural science or a human science (Geisteswissenschaft) as compared to natural sciences and auxiliary sciences. The object of general linguistics is a product of the human spirit and is mainly based on the relationships of meaning and sense explained from an opposite perspective. If the evolution of linguistic thought is examined, one can clearly observe the consequences that confusing the object of general linguistics with that of natural sciences, and of confusing the explanations of general linguistics and natural sciences, have had on the intellectual currents and schools of the last century.