LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 20:4 April 2020
ISSN 1930-2940

Editors:
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         T. Deivasigamani, Ph.D.
         Pammi Pavan Kumar, Ph.D.
         Soibam Rebika Devi, M.Sc., Ph.D.

Managing Editor & Publisher: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.

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Scientific Evidence Bias in Linguistic Theory

Sari Hamoud, Ph.D. Research Scholar

Abstract

Linguistic theory is taught at centers and departments of linguistics throughout the world with little or no attention to the Eurocentric and logocentric aspects of its evidence and examples. This apparent yet unescapable scientific bias is discussed from two points within the philosophy of science. First, general scientific evidence bias is discussed. Then, the difference between Internal versus External linguistic evidence is presented. The paper highlights the role of integrationist approaches within linguistic theory and how their input adds generalizability to linguistic models when certain standards are met.

Keywords: Linguistics, Eurocentric and logocentric aspects, philosophy of science, integrationist approaches, lesser-studied languages.

1. Introduction

It is assumed that modern scientific theories are objective and falsifiable (in comparison to unquestionable subjective beliefs), and they are designed specifically to explain phenomena based on unbiased reproducible evidence. However, this is not entirely accurate. In this paper, I will examine this assumption by taking examples from linguistic theory focusing mainly on the conflict that exists between external and internal evidence vis-à-vis the functional and formal approaches to language, and I will attempt to characterize its impact on the field of language study.

2. Is Science Biased?

Kuhn (1970) explains that science development does not happen in upward linear progression, and that its development is not always fully objective nor rational. He gives illustrative examples that show progress happening through revolutions. Scientists topple old theories in favor of new ones. This change keeps reoccurring in a cyclical fashion whereby science goes from normal status into crisis mode, and eventually a new paradigm replaces the older one.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Sari Hamoud, M.A.
Ph.D. Research Scholar
Center for Linguistics
Jawaharlal Nehru University
New Delhi, India
sarihammoud@gmail.com
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