Learning From Language (composition, Literacy, And Culture)
by Walter H. Beale /
2009 / English / PDF
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InLearning from Language,
Learning from Language, Walter H. Beale seeks to
bring together the disciplines of linguistics, rhetoric, and
literary studies through the concept of symmetry (how words
mirror thought, society, and our vision of the world).
Walter H. Beale seeks to
bring together the disciplines of linguistics, rhetoric, and
literary studies through the concept of symmetry (how words
mirror thought, society, and our vision of the world).
Citing thinkers from antiquity to the present, Beale provides
an in-depth study of linguistic theory, development, and
practice. He views the historic division between the schools of
symmetry and asymmetry (a belief that language developed as a
structure independent of human experience), as built into the
character of language itself, and as an impediment to literary
humanism (the combined study of language, rhetoric, and
literature to improve the competence and character of the
individual).
Citing thinkers from antiquity to the present, Beale provides
an in-depth study of linguistic theory, development, and
practice. He views the historic division between the schools of
symmetry and asymmetry (a belief that language developed as a
structure independent of human experience), as built into the
character of language itself, and as an impediment to literary
humanism (the combined study of language, rhetoric, and
literature to improve the competence and character of the
individual).
In his analysis, Beale outlines and critiques traditional
claims of symmetry, then offers new avenues of approach to the
subject. In doing so, he examines how important issues of human
culture and consciousness have parallels in processes of
language; how linguistic patterns relate to pervasive human
problems; how language is an active participant in the
expression, performance, and construction of reality; the
concepts of designating versus naming; figurative language as a
process of reenvisioning reality; and the linking of style to
virtue by the ancients.
In his analysis, Beale outlines and critiques traditional
claims of symmetry, then offers new avenues of approach to the
subject. In doing so, he examines how important issues of human
culture and consciousness have parallels in processes of
language; how linguistic patterns relate to pervasive human
problems; how language is an active participant in the
expression, performance, and construction of reality; the
concepts of designating versus naming; figurative language as a
process of reenvisioning reality; and the linking of style to
virtue by the ancients.
Beale concludes that both asymmetrical and symmetrical elements
exist in language, each with their own relevance, and that they
are complementary, rather than opposing philosophies. The basic
intuitions of symmetry that relate language to life are
powerful and important to all of English studies. Combined with
a love for the workings, sounds, and structures of language,
Beale says, an understanding of symmetry can help guide the
pursuit of literary humanism.
Beale concludes that both asymmetrical and symmetrical elements
exist in language, each with their own relevance, and that they
are complementary, rather than opposing philosophies. The basic
intuitions of symmetry that relate language to life are
powerful and important to all of English studies. Combined with
a love for the workings, sounds, and structures of language,
Beale says, an understanding of symmetry can help guide the
pursuit of literary humanism.