环境危机的语言学和哲学根基

Linguistic And Philosophical Roots of Our Environment Crisis

本文认为在语言、哲学和我们如何对待自然环境之间存在着密切的关系。其论述的焦点是无意识的语言习惯与潜藏于这一语言习惯之下的关于现实和世界的预设。本文讨论了美洲印第安人的语言与英语的三点显著差别,即美洲印第安人的语言不给无形的和物质名词以形式;它们在空间的与隐喻的集合体(真实与想象的名词)之间进行区分;他们把时间看成是连续的或流动的。与此相反,英语给无形的和物质名词以形式,把同样的语言结构运用于真实的和想象的名词,并且具有一种分割的(三向度)时间概念。这样的结果是,英语语言习惯不利于以整体性和关切的态度对待自然环境。

This paper suggests a close relationship between language, philosophy, and our handling of the natural environment. Its focus is on unconscious language habits and the presuppositions about reality or world view which underlie these language habits. The author discusses three distinct features of Amerindian languages and the English language. Amerindian languages do not give form to intangibles and mass nouns, they make a distinction between spatial and metaphorical aggregates（real and imaginary nouns）, and they treat time as being continuous or fluid. In contrast, the English language does give form to intangibles and mass nouns, uses the same terminology for real and imaginary nouns, and has a fragmented（three-dimensional）perception of time. As a result, English language habits are not very conducive to holistic and careful attitude toward the natural environ- ment.