SALEE: Study of Applied Linguistics and English Education

Vol. 3, No. 2, July 2022

Linguistic Study: Exploring its Philosophical Underpinnings

Ning Ratna Sinta Dewi1

1
Corresponding Author, STAIN Sultan Abdurrahman Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia;
ningratna_sinta@stainkepri.ac.id

Received: 23 Juni 2022 Accepted: 3 July 2022 Published: 18 July 2022

Abstract
Linguistic is an alternate term that is frequently used in the language term. Linguistics
is part of philosophy. Philosophy is the central core of all knowledge that human beings
learn. Philosophy and language are inseparable units. The term ‘language philosophy’
refers to studying philosophy concerning language or linguistics. This study discovers
the language and linguistic issues under the frame of language philosophy. The
qualitative approach is employed by conducting critical literature reviews on relevant
literature. In critical literature reviews, the writer analyzed the linguistic literature from
the perspective of language philosophy.

Keywords: Linguistics; Philosophy, Language philosophy

To cite this article: Dewi, N.R.S. (2022). Linguistic Study: Exploring its Philosophical
Underpinnings. SALEE: Study of Applied Linguistics and English Education, 3(2), 244-
253. https://doi.org/10.35961/salee.v3i2.519

DOI: 10.35961/salee.v3i2.519

1. Introduction

The ability to speak a language makes humans different from other creatures, not how well
they can think. Language itself is a means of communication or an effort to do so, and it can
also be employed to deliver a particular message. In this sense, language refers to symbols
or signals like human vocalizations and physical gestures. These are in the context of
language is called linguistics.
According to the idea that philosophy is the source of all knowledge, including linguistics
study, the relationship between linguistics and language from a philosophical perspective is
always of the highest magnitude. A philosopher, not a linguist, conducted the first study of
linguistics. This is evidenced by the efforts of many philosophers who used the language
analysis approach to address numerous philosophical problems, including those involving
Dewi SALEE: Study of Applied Linguistics and English Education
Vol. 3, No. 2, July 2022

being, existence, reality, shape, the material and immaterial, and other such inquiries
(Soejono Soemargono, 2004). All those concerns are fundamental and cannot be explained
through language-based data analysis.
The relationship between language and philosophy mentioned above is described by
philosophers as analytical philosophy and developed favorably throughout Europe,
especially in the UK around the 20th century. All philosophers acknowledged the close
connection between philosophy and language, particularly in light of philosophy's
fundamental function as an analyst of theories and conceptions. Like a philosopher asking to
interpret the meaning of ‘What is language,’ ‘What for is language,’ and ‘How to use
language,’ a concept or subject that philosophers are analyzing has a significant impact on
the creation of terms in a language context. These queries become the core ideas in language
learning.

2. Methods
This study applied the library research method to collect some expert arguments and theories
that are directly relevant to the problems of philosophy, linguistics, and language philosophy
as the database. At this point, the author selected pertinent works as sources containing the
theories and viewpoints of authorities on linguistics and language philosophy in general. This
study offers an inquiry that investigates linguistics’ philosophical aspects to explore its
ontological and epistemological meanings in depth. The author then examined a variety of
texts, including books, articles, and literary works, that discuss the study of linguistics and
how it relates to language philosophy. Finally, a conclusion includes the linguistics study
linked to language philosophy.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. The Definition of Linguistics and Language Philosophy
The Dictionary of Indonesian Language defines linguistics or language as a ‘symbol of
arbitrary voices, utilized by community members to cooperate, interact, and identify
themselves.’ (Indonesia, 2009) The term linguistics in English contexts is called 'language'
(from the Latin ‘lingua’ and the Old French ‘langage’) to denote language, tongue, code, and
signs) (Kridalaksana, 2008)
Therefore, linguistics or language is described as a system or structure for interpersonal
communication between individuals using body language and mutually understood symbols
or signals. A language has two fundamental meanings as something that linguistics studies:
a non-standardized theoretical concept and its distinctive system. Talking about language
automatically involves an utterance (oral language), gesture/symbols/signs/codes (Body
language/written language).

245
Dewi SALEE: Study of Applied Linguistics and English Education
Vol. 3, No. 2, July 2022

Language philosophy combines linguistics or language study with philosophy. The

objective of language philosophy is to investigate the status of a language concerning human
actions, whether they be philosophical or otherwise scientific. Language philosophy
frequently engages in conceptual and theoretical activities that are found in linguistics.
Scientific language and commonly used human languages are also included in language
philosophy. To put it another way, language philosophy is a theory that deals with language
and were proposed by philosophers to cognitively grasp and learn about the language people
use to express and communicate.
3.2. The Origins of Linguistics in the World of Philosophy
According to estimates, there are currently between 6,000 and 7,000 languages spoken on
earth, yet this number may rise depending on how each language is used or its dialect
changes. Speaking or using signals allows for the detection of known natural language. The
stimulation of aural, visual, or tactile stimuli can be used to encode the two natural languages
(such as expressive writing, Braille letters, or whistling). As is well known, language can be
used to depict cognitive abilities achieved through complex communication systems or even
to explain a system of rules that establishes rules (Azhar, 2010).
Natural language, whether spoken orally or through sign language, primarily relates to
symbols employed in sequence and referred to as words or morphemes. This morpheme
transforms into a system that governs how those words are put together or strung together to
produce words or phrases effectively.
Since the time of the ancient Greeks, linguistics in philosophy has significantly advanced.
The natural (cosmology), school of philosophy, and the school of Phusis explain that
language has a natural character (fisei or fisis) and that it has a connection to or relationship
with its origin, which makes it a source of eternal principles and makes it irreplaceable - apart
from by humans - and, consequently, ir-rejectable. Nevertheless, Socrates examines themes
related to nature from a dialectical perspective and continues to use dialect to advance his
theories (Solikhan, 2008).
In addition to naturalism, Hermoganes' teo-centric philosophy stated that language is
conventional (nomos). Traditions and tacit agreements (silent agreements) result in language
acquisition. Language is a commonality, not a divine gift or gift from God (Kaelan, 1998).
There was a theoretical split at the time regarding how to comprehend the philosophical
topics of the cosmos and the language of fusie. Language is the primary tool in philosophy,
particularly in logic; it is comparable to the dichotomy between analogy and anomaly, which
has evolved into the most fundamental philosophical discourse. According to the logic taught
by Plato and Aristotle, humans, as represented by language, and nature, both have well-
established order. Accordingly, language is organized and has ordered or even does not have
order. On the contrary, the Anomalist group believes that languages lack order. Daily

246
Dewi SALEE: Study of Applied Linguistics and English Education
Vol. 3, No. 2, July 2022

experience has demonstrated the existence of some words' neutral terms, synonyms, and
homonyms. If a language is universal, the disorder may be restored. This viewpoint
concludes that language is essentially a natural (Parera, 1991).
The differences in viewpoints on language and many other topics that fall under the same
family of languages that philosophers handle significantly impact the advancement of
language knowledge. These discrepancies spark discussions, dialogue, and eventually
debate. Discussion, talk, and debate certainly give philosophers new life to reform and
advance the outdated idea of language. To illustrate these processes, language philosophers
will provide examples of their knowledge of and research into the common sense truths of
language, its causes, its origins, and its laws, all of which are factors in the development of
the language and linguistics (Sallyanti, 2004).

3.3. Linguistics in Philosophy

A human who possesses language certainly has an excellent ability to think. Language
becomes a clear distinction between a human and animals. Ernst Cassirer claimed that human
is animal symbolism, a living creature that uses symbols that generally covers a more
enormous scope than homo sapiens, a thinking creature (Cassirer, 1944).
Human activity using symbols in thinking is the primary cause. In other words, human
beings cannot think logically and methodically without using symbols, in this case, language.
Additionally, without language, humans are unable to develop their cultures, which has a
direct impact on their ability to extinction from one generation to the next. Without language,
humans and animals are identical fields(Huxley, 1962). A human's ability to think clearly
and rationally is facilitated by language. Imagine a world without language, inevitably human
thinking process would undoubtedly become stale or stalled. The same situation will also
impact philosophical and other scientific endeavors. Humans can only share their knowledge
with other humans through language.
The language characteristics in the context of philosophy to be discussed are as
follows; (1) It has a concatenation of voices which is used as a device for communication. In
addition, signs are also used to communicate, but above all, voices remain humans' main
communication device. (2) Language is a symbol where a set of voices symbolize a particular
object. Humans collect symbols and turn them into words or vocabularies. The words or
vocabularies in substance in this term refer to a collection of experiences and thoughts of
humans. In other words, throughout the words/vocabularies, humans can communicate
everything, such as knowledge, experiences, or thoughts. By utilizing symbols, a human can
think and learn well.
The likelihood that humans can think about factual objects cognitively turned into
language symbols is very high. Humans can feel about a particular factual thing transforming,

247
Dewi SALEE: Study of Applied Linguistics and English Education
Vol. 3, No. 2, July 2022

even though the object does not exist there (Suriasumantri, 2017). The existence of language
symbols, taken in an abstract sense, may enable continuous thought in humans. As a result,
language enables humans to think logically and systematically. Actual objects undergo a
transformation process that turns them into abstract symbols that can be represented using
words or vocabularies. They are then arranged thus according to grammatical patterns to
represent thoughts and feelings.
There are two aspects of language they are the aspect of informative and the aspect of
emotive. Those two aspects are reflected in the daily language which humans use. It means
that when humans speak, the information delivered contains emotional aspects. On the
contrary, if the emotional or feeling is given, it automatically includes parts of information.
The two elements, information and emotive, are inseparable and related and exist in the
human (Russell, 1948). If the human communication process in philosophy is examined in
more detail, it will have three linguistic components; mind, sentiment, and attitude.
According to Kneller, language has three purposes in human life: it serves as a symbol, an
emotive, and an effective tool (Kneller, 1964). Language's use of symbols in communication
significantly impacts philosophy and knowledge. The aesthetic philosophy, often known as
value philosophy, is typically influenced by the emotive aspect. Because emotion can
constrain rational thoughts and ideas, the use of symbols in philosophical communication is
expected to be independent of emotion. As a result, characters are crucial for developing
knowledge in language philosophy.
3.4. The Classification of Linguistics in Philosophy
Philosophy frequently considers the human mind as the primary organ of cognition and
communication. It also serves as a marker for the distinction between humans and other
species. Because humans have minds, they can change and even revolutionize everything in
this world. Using philosophy is referred to as thinking as a realization of the mind's
functioning process, where human beings may feel because they have minds.
The mind is one of the components of the human being utilized to accomplish the truth;
in addition, the heart is used to realize the beauty and the will to do good. However, a person
can obtain the absolute truth in the realm of philosophy simply by using their thinking.
Philosophical thought is primarily intended for scientific activity and is scientific in nature.
Meanwhile, linguistics, often known as scientific language or linguistics, is used in
philosophical pursuits (UGM, 2012).
Words, terminology, and syntax are the basic components of linguistics or language.
Words and terms represent certain concepts that refer to things, actions, processes, or
relationships. Syntax is how words or terms are arranged or connected in sentences to express
meaningful meaning. Similar to how a sentence's meaning and purpose determine whether it
is significant or not.

248
Dewi SALEE: Study of Applied Linguistics and English Education
Vol. 3, No. 2, July 2022

That kind of meaningful sentence then is called scientific language or scientific linguistics
and is usually used in philosophical activities. In the context of philosophy, linguistics or
language is categorized based on the language grouping, explaining the language terms in
scientific language.
Linguistics in philosophy can be divided into two types: Natural language, the everyday
language people use to communicate. The environment and nature have an impact on how
the natural language develops. There are two categories of natural language: (1) sign
language. This language is used for both general and specific purposes. For instance, they
nod the human's head as a sign of agreement and shake the human's head as a sign
of disapproval. The public has successfully acknowledged those two signs. But for a specific
group, those two indications have a different meaning than what is present in the other
community. (2) Common language. This language is used in everyday situations and has a
common meaning. In ordinary language, language or sign is referred to as "words" with a
well-known and understood meaning. Regular language usage can be broken down into two
categories: (a) the use of a specific word with its literal meaning; and (b) the use of a specific
word with its non-literal or figurative meaning.
Secondly, invented language, this language is arranged based on thoughts’ considerations,
and it has a specific meaning and purpose. Word in the invented language is familiarly called
‘term’, and its meaning is called ‘concept’. Invented language is divided into two types; (1)
terminological language, a language made and formulated based on ordinary language and
given a specific meaning. This language stimulates interpretations and definitions based on
a word (2) artificial language. This is purely an invented language, and it is frequently called
symbolic. This type of language consists of words comprises of signs and is commonly used
in the context of logical activities (philosophy, mathematics). The difference between natural
and artificial language is the conceptual content used for a specific term that needs a further
and in-depth definition (Soemargono, 2004).
The use of linguistics in philosophy activity, in general, tends to use invented language or
also known scientific language. This is because the scientific language can be formulated,
and this type of language is created by philosophers or other scientists based on their
expertise. Scientific language primarily uses signs, terms, and symbols representing a certain
meaning of a certain thing. This scientific language fundamentally transforms into
declarative sentences or stated sentences that measure correct and incorrect, either by using
ordinary language as instruction media to deliver research results or by using terms, signs,
and symbols conceptually.
The details of natural language and invented language:
Natural language Invented language

249
Dewi SALEE: Study of Applied Linguistics and English Education
Vol. 3, No. 2, July 2022

Between word and meaning is a whole The intact unity between terms and
unity due to daily habits which has concepts are relative, depending on the
characteristics as follows: mind and its characters as follows:
- Spontaneity - Based on mind
- Habitual - Affected by heart
- Intuitives (heart feeling) - Discursive (logic, large scope of
- Direct expression meaning)
- Indirect statement

3.5. The Function of Linguistics in Philosophy

Linguistics has 3 (three) main functions as an aforementioned explanation. The 3 (three)
linguistics functions are; (1) function expressive or emotive, (2) function effective or
practical, and (3) function symbolic or logic.
The function of expressive or emotive in the linguistics study is clearly shown via a feeling
of fear and a feeling of astonishment which is realized by praising or complimenting
something. Expressive or emotive regularly appears in the scope of art and aesthetics,
whereas in philosophy, it is known as aesthetic philosophy (values philosophy).
Furthermore, the function of affective or practical is used to give psychological effects to
people. The impact of this function can stimulate people to do something based on their will.
The practical function of philosophy activity is known as human philosophy. The last
function is symbolic or logic. Language is viewed as large and deep in this function, known
as logical philosophy. This function of symbolism involves the brain or logic, and it is
communicative. It means that in symbolic function, symbols are not merely expressing the
facts but also delivering a particular message to other people.
Referring to 3 (three) functions based on the perspectives of philosophical study and
scientific study, the function of symbolism and logic becomes the main object in linguistics
study. This is because philosophical communication or another scientific communication has
a similar purpose to delivering knowledge to human beings and to ease the way, so it is
understandable and acceptable to human beings. In consequence, the communication or
information delivery runs very well. At the same time, the philosophical activity on
linguistics function must be free and independent from emotive elements because philosophy
is a scientific and productive study and removes multi-interpretation.
The use of language means that meanings inside the words uttered explicitly have the
purpose of avoiding different meanings. Thus, in scientific communication, a person is told

250
Dewi SALEE: Study of Applied Linguistics and English Education
Vol. 3, No. 2, July 2022

a particular definition of words, such as ‘epistemology’ or ‘axiology’. This reality is to

remove misinterpretation of the given words.
Using language has the purpose of expressing ideas or thoughts. If we try to understand
further, we will find the sentences in philosophical activities or scientific work statements.
The statement itself symbolizes a knowledge to communicate to other people. For example,
the statement, ‘boiling water will reduce its volume’. The truth of the statement contains an
understanding of the relation between cause and effect, namely the relation of cause and
effect between boiling water, then the temperature of water increases and it affects decrease
the volume of water.
Scientific work principally is a group of statements that give information about knowledge
or mind mapping on how to obtain that knowledge. The ability to communicate a statement
requires the language’s user to master the language grammar and structures correctly. This
is also effectively applied in philosophical activities or any other scientific activities.
Charlton Laird explained the meaning from the viewpoint of language grammar and
structures. According to him, the meaning based on language structures maximizes using
logic and creative thinking to express meaning and emotion using certain rules. (Laird, 1953)
Using language structures correctly and appropriately is an absolute requirement in
philosophical study and other scientific studies. A philosopher or a scientist must be able to
communicate and master the language very well. It is not only restricted to the
communication context but also applicable in writing a scientific article. That’s why they
must omit the use of emotive elements. In writing scientific writing, a scientist or a
philosopher must use the established language structures based on formulated procedures
such as a footnote, references and all of them must be acquired by a scientist in the order they
can communicate the information in writing and be understandable by other scientists
(Suriasumantri, 2017).
3.6. The Weakness of Linguistics in Language Philosophy
Generally, linguistics and philosophy have the same purpose, namely discussing language
issues. But, there are some differences between linguistics and philosophy. Linguistics aims
to get the clarity and the truth of language; the final goal of linguistics is at the end of the
activity. Meanwhile, language philosophy seeks the substance of knowledge or conceptual
knowledge. In language philosophy, language is used as a delivered object to seek
knowledge. Finally, in language philosophy, the clarity of substance of knowledge is
communicable and well delivered conceptually and orderly.
Linguistics in philosophy itself has some drawbacks. Firstly, medium and activity in
scientific communication on linguistics have a versatile role, namely medium of emotive,
affective, and symbolic. In philosophical activity or scientific activity, it must be organized
objectively by symbolic and logical aspects. Nonetheless, the fact is that the movement of

251
Dewi SALEE: Study of Applied Linguistics and English Education
Vol. 3, No. 2, July 2022

scientific philosophy uses emotive and affective elements. Secondly, the weakness of
linguistics is in the unclear meaning and certainty found in words developing a language.
Moreover, ambiguous terms and inexact words are difficult to define. Thirdly, there are many
pluralistic words in linguistics. Words in language generally have more than one meaning.
For example, the Indonesian word ‘bisa’ has two meanings: ability and venom. The plurality
doesn’t only give different meanings, but it also gives the same meaning (Hill, 1958). The
characteristic of plurality in linguistics frequently triggers confusion in terms of semantics;
when communication happens among speakers using plural words, it creates multiple
interpretations. Fourthly, linguistics has a circular characteristic, which keeps cycling in
defining a word. Fifthly, another weakness in linguistics is emotional connotative words.
The issues in linguistics have become objects of in-depth thinking by modern
philosophers. The turmoil in philosophy and other scientific activities is probably caused by
the failure of philosophers to master the logic of the linguistics (Wittgestein, 1972). The study
of philosophy concentrates on the substance of knowledge, including an analysis of logico-
linguistics. Some philosophical schools, for example, analytic philosophy, have claimed that
linguistics is not just a tool for philosophical thinking and action but also its foundation and
the end of philosophy. Henri Bergson distinguishes between absolute information acquired
outside of linguistics and relative knowledge gained through the linguistics (Bergson, 1969).
In actuality, intuition must also attain true knowledge, which is vital because the essence of
truth or knowledge ‘stops behind intuition’ (Whitehead, 1958). Scientific knowledge can
change due to incorrect and improper language use thereof.

4. Conclusions
Linguistics or language is the most urgent issue for humans. This is so that a language makes
a human capable of thinking everything in his mind. Language is the one thing that sets
humans different from other creatures. Likewise, language is also necessary for the
advancement of knowledge and civilization. As a result, besides the factor of language, a
human can think orderly; language also allows humans to express ideas and thoughts and
communicate them to other people. Throughout a language, humans can share attitudes and
feelings by using sounds people make, particularly their voices. Philosophy also expresses
arts and aesthetics, known as aesthetic philosophy and values philosophy. Through
linguistics, humans live meaningfully on the earth. In addition, language is another way that
knowledge is learned. If humans lack language, they are identical to animals.

References
Azhar, I. N. (2010). Peranan filsafat dalam mengembangkan linguistik. Pamator, 3(1), 1–
12.

252
Dewi SALEE: Study of Applied Linguistics and English Education
Vol. 3, No. 2, July 2022

Bergson, H. (1969). An Introduction to Methaphysics. Barnes & Noble.

Cassirer, E. (1944). An Essay on Man. Yale University Press.
Hill, A. A. (1958). Introduction to Linguistic Structure. Harcourt, Brece & World.
Huxley, A. (1962). Word and Their Meaning: The Importance of Language (ed. Max Bl).
Prentice Hall.
Indonesia, D. P. K. R. (2009). Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia. Gramedia.
Kaelan. (1998). Filsafat Bahasa; Masalah dan Perkembangannya. Paradigma.
Kneller, G. F. (1964). Introduction to the Philosophy of Education. John Wiley.
Kridalaksana, H. (2008). Kamus Linguistik (Edisi ke 4). Gramedia Pustaka Utama.
Laird, C. (1953). The Miracle of Language. Fawett.
Parera, J. D. (1991). Kajian Linguistik Umum Historis Komperatif dan Tipologi Struktural.
Erlangga.
Russell, B. (1948). Human Knowledge: Its Scope and Limits. Simon and Schuster.
Sallyanti. (2004). Peranan Filsafat Bahasa dalam Perkembangan Ilmu Bahasa. In USU.
Soejono Soemargono, L. O. K. (2004). Pengantar Filsafat. Tiara Wacana.
Solikhan, U. (2008). Landasan Metafisika dalam Perkembangan Linguistik dalam Bahasa
dan Sastra dalam Berbagai Perspektif. Tiara Wacana.
Suriasumantri, J. S. (2017). Filsafat Ilmu: Sebuah Pengantar Populer (Edisi 26). Pustaka
Sinar Harapan.
UGM, T. D. F. I. F. F. (2012). Filsafat Ilmu: Sebagai Dasar Pengembangan Ilmu
Pengetahuan (Cetakan 6). Liberty.
Whitehead, A. N. (1958). Modes of Thought. G.P, Putnam’s Sons.
Wittgestein, L. (1972). Tractatus Logico Philosophicus. Rouletge & Kegan Paul.

253