The Possibility Of "Philosophy Of Language"--Research On George Steiner’s Language Thoughts

Since the 20th century, the language has become the focus of literary research, it has reconstructed a new literary paradigm.Formalism criticism takes language forms and structures as there objects which leads the lack of the humanism spirit.In contrary to, George Steiner emphasizes humanism spirit in literary criticism. As a critic in contemporary western,Steiner conveys his doubt and worry about the crisis of language in his works, such as Language and Silence, Heidegger,Errata An Examined life,and so on.In his research, Steiner studies language through three levels:language and culture, language and literature, language and inhuman.His study shows language’s power and vitality and put language in multiple dimensions. In this theoretical vision,he tries to construct a "philosophy of language".This thesis contains three chapters.In introduction section firstly presents to Steiner’s academic achievements of literary criticism in western; secondly, to discuss the relevant researches status and the value of practical significance in Steiner language thoughts at home and abroad. The first chapter clearly points that Steiner’s language is a prerequisite for research.Through narrative of this chapter,Steiner clearly discusses the problem that is not the language of General linguistics,but is the literary language (or word) problems and cultural issues.This chapter begins from talk about Steiner’s talent to learn language and his ideal in academic. To study the general language concepts in West, and combined with related works of Steiner, analysis the concept of language:one is the view of organism language; one is the view of cultural language.The second chapter analyzes Steiner’s "Philosophy of Language" and its possibilities.To further understand the idea of "Philosophy of Language", we must understand the 20th century philosophy of language.By reviewing and combing the history of western philosophy of language of formation and development,and ultimately achieve this goal:be fully aware of Steiner’s "Philosophy of Language" and objectively estimate the possibility to achieve this vision.The third chapter examines the "Philosophy of Language".This paradigm of literature has from a practical pointing to criticism.Steiner constructed the "Philosophy of Language" is stick to their ideal performance criticism.All along, Steiner respects the classical literature. His critics point to the tradition of classical literature,and also to reflect the contemporary reality.The "Philosophy of Language" makes critical practice throughout the greater cultural and historical context,even into the philosophical thinking level.The conclusion section try to entirely evaluate the significance Steiner language thoughts and theory value.It is said that Steiner language focus on language vitality and reflection on cultural issues. It provides a reference for the cultural criticism.Although Steiner has consciously constructed his own literary paradigm——"Philosophy of Language",But this theory also has shortcomings, for example,the performance of the system is loose and broad. This is also criticized by some scholars of western.However,Steiner is stick to the spirit of humanism as well as the importance of language and cultural tradition. We can learn from his humanism spirit.