Routledge Linguistic Theory: The Discourse of Fundamental Works

Explore the evolution of linguistic thought with Robert de Beaugrande's Linguistic Theory: The Discourse of Fundamental Works. Part of the Longman Linguistics Library, this book offers a unique perspective by treating linguistic theories as processes and products of theoretical discourse rather than just abstract ideas. By analyzing the fundamental works of major linguists, including Ferdinand de Saussure, Teun van Dijk, and Walter Kintsch, de Beaugrande provides a deep look into the development of the field. He uses a specialized strategy of close reading to examine these works as discourse performances. This method allows readers to see the main points and characteristic moves of these scholars through their own original words. This text is an essential resource for students and researchers looking to understand how linguistic theories are constructed and communicated. It provides a clear path to appreciating the foundational texts that have shaped modern linguistics through a rigorous and original analytical framework.