why linguistic is called the science of language

why linguistic is called the science of language? what principles

linguistics should follow?

Linguistics is usually defined as the scientific study of the language or the science concerned with language. why is it called the science of language? To answer the question, firstly we need to know what is science. The word science means knowledge. According to New Collegiate Dictionary , the definition of science is “knowledge covering general truths of operation of general laws obtained and tested through scientific method concerned wit physical world”. As far as I know the aim of the linguistics is to study the common qualities of all languages. I think the aims just conform to the definition of science. And also I think science is about using a rational way to explain emotional things. language is something very close to people, which is often emotional. Linguistic try to use some scientific ways investigate the nature of language, which is very national. so it can be called the science of language.

Apart from it, I believe science regarded as the general truths I just mentioned is supposed to exerted positive influence on people’s way of thought and action. Briefly speaking, it should be helpful and useful. Linguistics,as the science of language, can be universally applied in different fields related to language, which include sociolinguistics, anthropological linguistics, clinical linguistics,educational linguistics and so on. As we can see linguistics is comprehensive and broad, covering a vast range.

Then comes the question in my mind : what is the difference between linguistic and other sciences. Linguistic must possess something unique. I looked up some opinions of Saussure :”Linguistics has very connections with other sciences. But it

is different from other science.Other sciences are provided with objects of study given in advance, which are then examined from different points of view. Nothing like that is the case in linguistics. The object is not given in advance of the viewpoint: far from it. Rather, one might say that it is the viewpoint adopted which creates the object.”I do not completely understand his view. But it reminds me that language, the object of

linguistic as a system of expressing one’s idea, is something quit abstract which exists in our mind and is hard to touch or seems invisible. As for most of other sciences, their object can be touched and is visible. That may one of the difference.

Then what principles linguistics should follow?

As linguistics is regarded as a science, it should follow certain principles which are adopted by scientific activities in general such as thoroughness, consistency and economy. And to be empirical and objective are very important for linguistic. Linguistics research should be based on large amount of data obtained by conducting many experiments and comprehensive observation to insure the findings are reliable and testable. Being objective is actually closely related to empirical. Doing the research in an empirical way is one aspect in achieving the objec tivity. What’s more, it is very necessary to learn to hold objective attitude towards different languages. I think we are supposed to be an excellent appreciator towards different cultures and understand that all the languages which are the fruits of human civilianizations are equal and no language is primitive. Besides, I think language is both about something in the present and in the past, which must bring about so many difficulties to the study. But I think it is necessary to take it seriously.

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