A1 Journal article (refereed)
What is “showing” in language? (2022)

Jantunen, T. (2022). What is “showing” in language?. Finnish Journal of Linguistics, 35, 169-184. https://journal.fi/finjol/article/view/112142

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Jantunen, Tommi

Journal or series: Finnish Journal of Linguistics

eISSN: 2814-4376

Publication year: 2022

Publication date: 31/12/2022

Volume: 35

Pages range: 169-184

Publisher: Suomen kielitieteellinen yhdistys

Publication country: Finland

Publication language: English

Persistent website address: https://journal.fi/finjol/article/view/112142

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/85254

Additional information: This squib has been greatly motivated by presentations and discussions that took place in the Depiction Seminar organized by Niina Lilja at the University of Tampere, Finland, in October 2021.

Abstract

In this squib, I discuss the issue of showing meaning in language. I consider showing to form a continuum with telling (traditional language use with lexico-grammatical units and processes) and define showing in its purest form as a way of signaling meaning through depiction. For this purpose, showing makes use of relatively gradient and non-conventional means which are not typically considered to belong to language proper. I situate showing together with telling in ontology in which language is conceived as being simultaneously a physical, cognitive and social activity on a par with other such types of activities. In mainstream linguistics, showing has been marginalized and set aside from the focus of research. However, I suggest that accepting showing as an inherent part of language and its use has, after closer empirical scrutiny, not only theoretical but also practical implications.

Keywords: languages; expression (communication); gestures; meanings (semantics); sign language; semantics; ontology (philosophy); philosophy of language

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Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2022

JUFO rating: 1