Sprachauffassung

English translation: conception of language

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
German term or phrase:Sprachauffassung
English translation:conception of language
Entered by: Helen Shiner

17:53 Mar 27, 2009
German to English translations [PRO]
Social Sciences - Linguistics / evolutionary linguistics
German term or phrase: Sprachauffassung
I expect this is going to be one of those obvious ones for those in the know, but I am feeling rather doubtful about my rendering of the sentence in question, and would be grateful for any comments from those with expertise in this field. My doubts hinge specifically around the term 'Sprachauffassung' - I want to get the correct terminology for the linguistics field, please.

This is taken from a text about writing-induced concepts of language.

Speaking of the emergence of alphabets:

Erst die Anpassung der semitischen Schriften an das Griechische [...] führt zur Unterscheidung von Vokalen, Sonanten, Konsonanten und damit zu einer kategorialen Unterschreitung der Silbengrenze. Es ist dieser Assimilationsprozeß, der dem Alphabet seinen einzigartigen Abstraktionsgrad verliehen hat. Jede Zuordnung der graphischen Form zu Anschauung und Begriff ist hier aufgehoben. Unter dieser Bedingung, nämlich durch die ganz formale Natur des Alphabets, kann erst die Idee der Grammatik als Systemisierung einer Sprachauffassung entstehen.

My rough stab at the last sentence so far is:

Only in this circumstance, that is, by means of the completely formal nature of the alphabet, can the idea of grammar as the systemisation of a conception of language come into being.

Any thoughts from linguistically gifted colleagues much appreciated.
Helen Shiner
United Kingdom
Local time: 08:59
Language conception or conception of language
Explanation:
One section of the international conference "The Unifying Aspects of Cultures" in 2003 was called: "Standardvariationen und Sprachauffassungen in verschiedenen Sprachkulturen" | "Standard Variations and Conceptions of Language in Various Language Cultures".

Also see reference. Reposted upon request. :)

Selected response from:

tbilimava
Germany
Grading comment
Since this refers to various early languages, rather than just German, for instance, I think this is the correct answer in this particular context. I agree that were it related only to one language, it would not make much sense, but these are very varying grammars here, I suppose. Thanks to everyone for helping me gain clarity.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4Language conception or conception of language
tbilimava
3language formalization
Anbu Ambrose
Summary of reference entries provided
Language conception or conception of language
tbilimava

Discussion entries: 4





  

Answers


3 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
language formalization


Explanation:
I just want to offer a a translation deviating from the words used but capturing the essence in linguistics terms.
" Grammar as a basis for formalized linguistic structure can only be understood within a broader framework of formal nature of the alphabets"

Just my two cents :)

Anbu Ambrose
India
Local time: 14:29
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in TamilTamil, Native in EnglishEnglish
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4 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5
Language conception or conception of language


Explanation:
One section of the international conference "The Unifying Aspects of Cultures" in 2003 was called: "Standardvariationen und Sprachauffassungen in verschiedenen Sprachkulturen" | "Standard Variations and Conceptions of Language in Various Language Cultures".

Also see reference. Reposted upon request. :)



tbilimava
Germany
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in RussianRussian, Native in BelarusianBelarusian
PRO pts in category: 4
Grading comment
Since this refers to various early languages, rather than just German, for instance, I think this is the correct answer in this particular context. I agree that were it related only to one language, it would not make much sense, but these are very varying grammars here, I suppose. Thanks to everyone for helping me gain clarity.

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
neutral  Lancashireman: Sorry, tbilimava. ‘Conception’ is a fine dictionary translation for ‘Auffassung’ but what exactly is a ‘language conception’? I would tend to agree with AMG (Discussion entry 1) that the ‘-auffassung’ suffix is redundant here.
39 mins
  -> Please see my reply above.
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Reference comments


44 mins peer agreement (net): +1
Reference: Language conception or conception of language

Reference information:
One section of the international conference "The Unifying Aspects of Cultures" in 2003 was called: "Standardvariationen und Sprachauffassungen in verschiedenen Sprachkulturen" | "Standard Variations and Conceptions of Language in Various Language Cultures".

See the report in: TRANS, Internet journal for cultural sciences


    Reference: http://www.inst.at/trans/15Nr/06_1/6_1inhalt15.htm
tbilimava
Germany
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in RussianRussian, Native in BelarusianBelarusian
PRO pts in category: 4
Note to reference poster
Asker: Thanks for this, tbilimava, that is just what I was looking for but could not find.

Asker: Could I ask you to post this as an answer when you have the time, please?


Peer comments on this reference comment (and responses from the reference poster)
agree  Inge Meinzer
1 hr
  -> Thank you. :)
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