Theorizing language

the long version

Theorizing Language presents an original perspective on the fundamental theoretical and methodological issues raised by inquiry into language. The central theme is that language is an essentially reflexive phenomenon. We make language what it is for us - we give it a recognizable form and use - by making language itself the subject of ordinary reflexive discourse: that is, by characterizing it, explaining it, categorizing it, criticizing it, evaluating it, qualifying it, prescribing it, etc. Language theory must recognize itself as merely a derivative (albeit culturally authoritative) form of reflexive discourse.