MPI COLLOQUIUM: PROF.DR. DANIEL EVERETT

Title

The Inferential Foundation of Language: Evolution, Theory, and Field Research

Abstract

In this talk I present evidence from language evolution, linguistic field research, and semantic interpretation to argue for the thesis that a Peircean linguistic theory - based on triadic inference (abduction, deduction, induction) and triadic signs (object + representamen + interpretant) - provides a singular theoretical foundation for the understanding of natural language phenomena, including multimodality (and recursion in interpretation even when lacking in syntax). Further, I argue that this theoretical orientation offers new perspectives unavailable in current linguistic theories. Most of the data on semantic interpretation and field research come from my work among the Pirahãs of the Brazilian Amazon.  The data from language evolution emerges from work of my own and with archaeologist Dr. Larry Barham (University of Liverpool) on the appearance of symbols in the lower paleolithic.