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Article published In: Historiographia Linguistica
Vol. 8:1 (1981) ► pp.47–62

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Thomas stackhouse’s theory of linguistic rhetoric

A study of reflections on the nature and property of languages (1731)

 | University of Santa Clara
Published online: 1 January 1981
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https://doi.org/10.1075/hl.8.1.05sub
Summary
Thomas Stackhouse’s (1657–1752) Reflections On the Nature and Property of Languages (1731) was directly concerned with two areas critical to an understanding of 18th century English linguistic theory: the nature and origin of language, and rhetorical grammar. Stackhouse’s method was as follows: he defined language according to its origins and history, and he identified those rhetorical universals which he believed were essential for the refinement of language. Assuming that all languages were equal in their capacity to communicate, Stackhouse argued that perspicuity, purity, copiousness, neatness, energy, sublimity, and number increased the effectiveness of language. A study of Reflections suggests that theories of language, thought, and society must dovetail if we are to ever explain communication.
Résumé
L’ouvrage de Thomas Stackhouse (1657–1752) Réflections sur la Nature et la propriété des langues (1731) traite de deux domaines capitaux pour la compréhension de la théorie linguistique en Angleterre au 18ème siècle: la nature et l’origine de la langue, la grammaire rhétorique. La méthode de Stackhouse consistait à définir la langue d’après ses origines et son histoire et à relever les universaux rhétoriques qu’il croyait essentiels au raffinement de la langue. Présupposant toutes les langues égales par leur capacité de communiquer, Stackhouse soutenait que le clarté, la pureté, l’abondance, la netteté, l’énergie, la sublimité, et le nombre accroissaient l’effeicacité de la langue: en étudiant les réflections, on est amené à penser qu’il faut combiner les théories du langage, de la pensée et de la société, si on veut un jour expliquer la communication.
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