Abstract: The main purpose of this entry is to provide an introduction to the concept of “language,” especially in terms of its place in the social sciences in general and in social theory in particular. To this end, it provides an overview of the main issues arising from the critical enquiry into “language” by focusing on the following issues: (1) the definition of language; (2) the study of language; (3) the classification of language; (4) the functions of language; (5) the features of language; (6) the origin(s) of language; (7) the significance of language; (8) the paradox of language; (9) the critical sociology of language; (10) the diversity of language; (11) the hierarchies of language; and (12) the endangerment of language. As elucidated in this entry, there are numerous reasons why social theorists should take the analysis of language seriously.
Publication Year: 2017
Publication Date: 2017-12-04
Language: en
Type: other
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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