Interactivities, intersubjectivities and language

Abstract

This theoretical paper deals with intersubjectivity and interactivity in relation to language and sense-making. It starts out from a critical discussion of certain proposals regarding the nature and localisation of language, that is, radical versions of individualism and collectivism. The conclusion is that both are untenable. Instead, we must assume that language originates and lives in interactivities between sense-making people. Such an 'interactionism' is close to dialogism.The bulk of the paper is devoted to the relations between interactivities and intersubjectivities. Adducing arguments from a cross-disciplinary approach to language and languaging, we end up with a conclusion that interactivities are more basic than both intersubjectivities and linguistic dialogue. In the summarising discussion the paper suggests some foundations for a dynamic and dialogical language science, as an antidote to formal linguistics. Where is language, in the individuals or in the cultural collectivity?My main topic in this article will be intersubjectivity and language. However, I will argue, in accordance with many other present-day commentators, that interactivity is a more basic notion than both these phenomena. I will also suggest that we may wish to use the basic terms in the plural rather than in the singular: interactivities and intersubjectivities. But for a start I will take a brief look at another general issue, that of individuality vs. collectivity of language, since this could serve as a suitable backdrop for a discussion of interactivities and intersubjectivities.The issue of the nature of language with regard to individuality or collectivity is legion in the history of the language sciences; cf. e.g. Rommetveit (2008),

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