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LING-246 Language & Religion
Spring only
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Are there distinctive forms of language use in the magico-religious domain, and if so, how much do they depart from "ordinary" communication? How do people use language when they wish to communicate with incorporeal agents (spirits, God, etc), for instance, agents who can sensorially say nothing? In addressing these questions, this course examines language practices from across the globe, from Illongot hunting spells in the Philipines to the use of noise in U.S. Pentecostal worship. Drawing on literature in linguistics, anthropology, and religious studies, we consider the special demands that religious beliefs, ideals, and objectives place on language use. At the same time, we consider how the exploration of language use in the magico-religious domain has spurred some researchers to revise their understanding of how language works generally. L anguage-use in divination, for instance, has inspired some to question the centrality of "intentionality" in theories of pragmatic meaning. Religious rituals tend to exploit the poetic function, and this has inspired some researchers to consider the "poetic" and ritual-like character of many forms of discourse, not just the religious. Toward the semester's end, we turn to large-scale sociopolitical issues on the theme of language and religion, such as the way certain nation-states have sought to define citizenship in terms of competence in a sacred language.
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: None
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