Received: by alpheratz.cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk id AAA12387 (8.6.9/5.3[ref pg@gmsl.co.uk] for cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk from fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk); Sun, 14 Jan 2001 00:30:55 GMT From: <Zylogy@aol.com> Message-ID: <a5.10222174.27924c86@aol.com> Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2001 19:27:50 EST Subject: Sound symbolism and language To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk CC: Zylogy@aol.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Mailer: AOL 5.0 for Windows sub 129 Sender: fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Reply-To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
Hi, all. Being new to the list I'll briefly introduce myself and see if
there's any interest in the topic I focus on. You can call me Jess (a kinder,
gentler from of address (now that the Bush dynasty is back in office)). I
study phonosemantics in natural language and in animal communication. Did a
stint in the linguistics doctoral program at UCBerkeley a while back until we
had a mutual parting of the ways. I still attend linguistic functions and
give the occasional talk (including an upcoming trip to Atlanta, Georgia to
talk with the bonobo researchers there). Co-founded the Linguistic Iconism
Association a couple of years ago, which now boasts over 200 language
professionals in its member roster
(http://www.conknet.com/~mmagnus/LIA/index.html). We also have a discussion
list (not nearly as solidly packed as this one- could use some input from
outside, folks).
Motivation of linguistic signals is my bread and butter. Having spent nearly
20 years piecing out the patterns and particulars of phonosemantics, I'm now
in a position to bring a relatively well-developed theory out. I just know
many of you out there in the memetics world aren't happy with notions of
arbitrariness being essential to language- even though that's been part of
the received wisdom of linguistics for almost a century. In any case there is
now enough evidence available not to only refute the arbitrariness doctrine
in its most virulent form, but also to show the way real obfuscation of
original motivation develops historically.
I won't go on and on here- want to pick up some issue takers first. Start
your engines.
Jess Tauber
zylogy@aol.com
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