ABSTRACT

This chapter provides an overview of anthropological and linguistic approaches to language, from fundamental concepts in the work of Saussure and Peirce, through reflectionist and instrumentalist approaches used by sociolinguists and others, to the new anthropological vision of socially grounded linguistic creativity. It focuses on the study of language and law. A key formulation of the division between language as an abstract system and language as a medium for social exchange can be found in the work of Ferdinand de Saussure. Language is certainly used in instrumental fashion to effect social goals, and no integrative theory of language use could neglect consideration of the aspect of language function. The one black male judge was a strict adherent. Of course, the sample is too small to permit much generalization, but it seems striking that there is so little overlap in predominant orientation between the white male judges and the other judges.