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Introduction
Language is a fundamental human capability. It may be generally defined as the human activity aimed at formulating and communicating information, at expressing feelings, needs, and psychological states, and at influencing other’s behavior. It is characterized by the syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic dimensions. Syntax concerns the set of rules and principles according to which the linguistic elements are combined to give rise to well-formed complex expressions. Semantics has to do with the meaning of linguistic expressions; it is often associated with denotation but may also be understood as referring to the relations that a term bears with other terms. Pragmatics concerns the use of language and of the linguistic expressions as uttered by determinate speakers, aimed at specific goals, dependent on the intentions of the interlocutors, and in general occurring in different contexts.
The expression “philosophy of language” appeared in the 1960s. According to...
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Colagè, I. (2013). Philosophy of Language. In: Runehov, A.L.C., Oviedo, L. (eds) Encyclopedia of Sciences and Religions. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8265-8_1568
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-8265-8_1568
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
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