Social and psychological aspects of language (in the works of F. W. Farrar and H. Steinthal)

Abstract

Aim. To consider how the issues of language and thinking link, as well as the social nature of speech, are presented in the works of Frederick William Farrar and Heymann Steinthal, whose research later became foundational in the field of linguistic psychologism.

Methodology. The article primarily relies on descriptive-analytical and comparative research methods.

Results. The research revealed that in their works F. W. Farrar and H. Steinthal analyse such issues as processes of speech production, the concept of the language materiality, the role of metaphor and onomatopoeia, the phenomenon peoples’ psychology and values being reflected in their languages, etc. The authors of the article point out similarities and differences in the views of F. W. Farrar and H. Steinthal and complement them with comments of other prominent linguists of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Research implications. Data on linguistic psychology and research conducted by F. W. Farrar and H. Steinthal are updated and expanded.