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Vukcevic N., Sheleketa V.O., Gladchenco D.Yu., Didenkov I.I. [The problem of association between language, culture, and society in social communication formation through the examination of Johann G. Herder’s theory] World of Science. Series: Sociology, Philology, Cultural Studies, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 1. Available at: https://sfk-mn.ru/PDF/16SCSK124.pdf (in Russian).

The problem of association between language, culture, and society in social communication formation through the examination of Johann G. Herder’s theory

Vukcevic Nemanja
Belgorod State Technological University named after V.G. Shukhov, Belgorod, Russia
Belgorod National Research University, Belgorod, Russia
E-mail: nemanja.vukcevic2021@gmail.com
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3682-3888
SCOPUS: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.url?authorId=57219670020

Sheleketa Vladislav Olegovich
Belgorod State Technological University named after V.G. Shukhov, Belgorod, Russia
E-mail: vladshelo@mail.ru
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4515-4420

Gladchenco Dmitry Yurevich
Belgorod University of Cooperation, Economics and Law, Belgorod, Russia
E-mail: Diman.gladchenko@mail.ru

Didenkov Ilʹya Igorevich
Belgorod University of Cooperation, Economics and Law, Belgorod, Russia
E-mail: didenkov1990@mail.ru

Abstract. In exploring the emergence and development of culture and social institutions, the article delves into the significant influence of linguistic forms, structures, and conceptual models inherent in language. Specifically, it draws upon the foundation of the Herder-Humboldt hypothesis, which posits that our perception and cognition are shaped by the language we use. The main provisions of the hypothesis state that language not only reflects the world but also shapes it; different languages categorize the world differently, which leads to differences in thinking and perception among speakers of these languages; the structure of language affects how we see the world, what we can think, and how we can express our thoughts.

The authors assert that Herder was the pioneer in recognizing language as a biological phenomenon that evolved through natural selection due to its crucial role in human survival and reproduction. Herder proposed that language is a biological phenomenon that evolved by natural selection. He believed that language is an adaptation that helps people survive and reproduce. The argument posits that language emerges from the interplay of biological and cultural influences, rendering it a manifestation of human nature. However, the problematic aspect of this standpoint becomes apparent, primarily because Herder’s conclusions are challenging to prove, and not all research corroborates the notion of language influencing thought processes. To thoroughly explore the intricacies of understanding shaped by culture, the authors turn to the theory of language games and discursive practices.

The authors also consider alternative viewpoints like the concept of compensating for individual organic or physiological shortcomings through language mastery, as well as theories suggesting that the culture of specific peoples, social communities, or institutions influences linguistic structures and cognitive models.

As follows from the paradigm considered in the article, at the same time as the mental content of language is common to humanity, the expression of affective states of mind and emotional experiences cannot but reflect the group characteristics of the linguistic community. The authors of the article conclude that this theory has not lost its significance until now; its main advantage is the evolutionary approach to solving the question of the origin of language, which became possible, on the one hand, thanks to the evolutionary interpretation of the transition of pre-language into language, and also from by understanding the patterns of transition of cultural meanings into language and the reverse formation of cultural content by linguistic forms. It also applies to the formation of social institutions.

Keywords: a language-game; discursive practices; communication forms; cognitive models; language; social institutions

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