비교철학적 관점에서 본 언어과학의 정체성 해명 = A Elucidation on the Identity of Linguistic Science from the Viewpoint of Comparative Philosophy

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

According to Benjamin Whorf, people obtain their world view solely through the medium of language. The illusion of the superiority of Western culture was formed on the basis of the Indo-European language. Nietzsche basically doubted that language could be an appropriate means for the expression of reality. It is true that many people have their own language and the fact that there are various languages in the world proves the relative validity of these languages. Consequently we can conclude that language consciousness cannot ultimately be free from prejudice. We should also be suspicious of the assumption that human consciousness does not imply human language consciousness. The functions of managing and controlling, otherwise known as the rational functions of a language, within the Indo-European language group, are believed to be most important. However, the matter of language consciousness outside the Indo-European language circle is different. In comparison with the Indo-European language, it is assumed that the Hopi language reflects limited thinking patterns. However, the Hopi language also shows the inclusion of other abilities and perspectives that the Indo-European thinking patterns might not have. It was not a problem to Laotze, because he thought language was the natural function of human beings. However, he was thoroughly against aberrations of human behavior. Although speechless behavior was regarded as the highest virtue, language itself was considered very precious. Nevertheless, he never believed that the ability of language was a gift from Heaven. Language can have a positive meaning, when its expression accords with the Tao. Language in this case is not different from `Wu-wei(無爲. Non-Action)`. Non-action, however, is much closer to the speechless nature than it is to human beings. In fact, not confirming, but broadening the horizon of one`s own world view is required in search of a more universal and relevant truth. It is necessary, therefore, to accept counter-perspectives, which include opposing positions. In the ancient East, it was possible to understand the "nature of nature" from a counter-perspective, thus alleviating the subjective consciousness of human beings.