Charles F. Hockett 7635 224430818 2008-07-08T20:30:16Z 70.53.131.235 /* References */ [[Image:landt.jpg|right]] '''Charles Francis Hockett''' ([[January 17]], [[1916]] - [[November 3]], [[2000]]) was an [[United States|American]] [[linguist]] who developed many influential ideas in American [[structuralism#Structuralism in linguistics|structuralism]]. He represents the post-[[Leonard Bloomfield|Bloomfieldian]] phase of [[structuralism]] often referred to as [[distributionalism]] or [[taxonomic structuralism]]. In his "Note on Structure" he argues that [[linguistics]] can be seen as a game and as a science. A linguist as player has a freedom for experimentation on all the utterances of a language, but no criterion to compare his analysis with other linguists. Late in his career, he was known for his stinging criticism of Chomskyan linguistics which he called "a theory spawned by a generation of vipers". == Professional and Academic Career == ===Education=== At the age of sixteen, Hockett enrolled at [[Ohio State University]] in [[Columbus, Ohio]] where he received a [[Bachelor of Arts]] and [[Master of Arts]] in [[ancient history]]. While enrolled at [[Ohio State University|Ohio State]], Hockett became interested in the work of [[Leonard Bloomfield]], a leading figure in the field of [[structural linguistics]]. Hockett continued his education at [[Yale University]] where he studied [[anthropology]] and [[linguistics]] and received his [[doctor of philosophy|PhD]] in anthropology in 1939. While studying at [[Yale university|Yale]], Hockett studied with several other influential linguists such as [[Edward Sapir]], [[George P. Murdock]], and [[Benjamin Whorf]]. Hockett's dissertation was based on his fieldwork in [[Potawatomi]]; his paper on [[Potawatomi]] [[syntax]] was published in ''[[Language (journal)|Language]]'' in 1939. In 1948 his [[dissertation]] was published as a series in the [[International Journal of American Linguistics]]. Following fieldwork in [[Kickapoo]] and [[Michoacán]], [[Mexico]], Hockett did two years of [[postdoctoral]] study with [[Leonard Bloomfield]] in [[Chicago]] and [[Michigan]]. ===Career=== Hockett began his teaching career in [[1946]] as an assistant professor of [[linguistics]] in the Division of [[Modern Languages]] at [[Cornell University]] where he was responsible for directing the [[Chinese language]] program. In [[1957]], Hockett became a member of Cornell's [[anthropology]] department and continued to teach anthropology and linguistics until he retired to [[emeritus|emeritus status]] in [[1982]]. In 1986, he took up an adjunct post at [[Rice University]] in [[Houston, Texas]], where he remained active until his death in 2000. ===Achievements=== Charles Hockett held membership among many [[academy|academic institutions]] such as the [[United States National Academy of Sciences|National Academy of Sciences]] the [[American Academy of Arts and Sciences]], and the [[Society of Fellows]] at [[Harvard University]]. He served as [[president]] of both the [[Linguistic Society of America]] and the [[Linguistic]] Association of [[Canada]] and the [[United States]]. In addition to making many contributions to the field of [[structural linguistics]], Hockett also considered such things as [[Benjamin Whorf|Whorfian Theory]], [[jokes]], the nature of [[writing systems]], [[slips of the tongue]], and [[animal communication]] and their relativeness to [[speech]]. Outside the realm of [[linguistics]] and [[anthropology]], Hockett practiced [[Musical theatre|musical]] performance and [[Musical composition|composition]]. Hockett composed a full-length [[opera]] called ''[[The Love of Doña Rosita]]'' which was based on a play by [[F. García Lorca]] and premiered at [[Ithaca College]] by the [[Ithaca, New York|Ithaca]] [[Opera]]. Hockett and his wife Shirley were vital leaders in the development of the [[Cayuga]] Chamber [[Orchestra]] in [[Ithaca, New York]]. In appreciation of the Hocketts' hard work and dedication to the Ithaca community, [[Ithaca College]] established the [[Charles F. Hockett Music Scholarship]], the Shirley and Chas Hockett Chamber Music Concert Series, and the Hockett Family Recital Hall. == Key Contributions == ====Comparative method of Linguistics==== One of Hockett’s most important contributions was his development of the [[Design Features of Language|design-feature]] approach to comparative linguistics where he attempted to distinguish the similarities and differences among [[animal communication]] systems and [[human language]]. Hockett initially developed seven features which were published in the 1959 paper “Animal ‘Languages’ and Human Language.” However, after many revisions, he settled on [[Design Features of Language|13 design-features]] which can be found in the [[Scientific American]] article “The Origin of Speech.” Hockett argued that while every communication system has some of the 13 design features, only [[human]], spoken language has all 13 features. In turn, this differentiates human spoken language from [[animal communication]] and other human communication systems such as [[written language]]. ====Hockett's 13 Design Features of Language==== [[Image:hockett1.jpg|right]] 1. [[Vocal-Auditory Channel]]: Much of [[human language]] is performed using the [[vocal]] tract and [[auditory]] channel. Hockett viewed this as an advantage for [[human]] [[primates]] because it allowed for the ability to participate in other activities while simultaneously communicating through spoken language. 2. [[Broadcast transmission and directional reception]]: All human [[language]] can be heard if it is within range of another person’s [[auditory channel]]. Additionally, a listener has the ability to determine the source of a [[sound]] by [[binaural direction]] finding. 3. [[Rapid Fading (transitoriness)]]: Wave forms of [[human]] [[language]] dissipate over time and do not persist. A hearer can only receive specific [[auditory]] information at the time it is spoken. 4. [[Interchangeability]]: A person has the ability to both [[speak]] and hear the same [[Signalling theory|signal]]. Anything that a person is able to hear, they have the ability to reproduce through [[spoken language]]. 5. [[Total Feedback]]: A speaker has the ability to hear themselves speak. Through this, they are able to monitor their [[speech production]] and internalize what they are producing through [[language]]. 6. [[Specialization]]: Human language sounds are specialized for communication. When dogs pant it is to cool themselves off, when humans speak it is to transmit information. 7. [[Semanticity]]: This refers to the idea that specific signals can be matched with a specific [[meaning (linguistics)|meaning]]. 8. [[Arbitrariness]]: There is no limitation to what can be [[communication|communicated]] about and there is no specific or necessary connection between the sounds used and the message being sent. 9. [[Discreteness]]: [[Phonemes]] can be placed in distinct [[categories]] which differentiate them from one another , such as the distinct [[sound]] of /p/ versus /b/. 10. [[Displacement]]: The ability to refer to things in [[space]] and [[time]] and [[communicate]] about things that are currently not present. 11. [[Productivity]]: The ability to create new and unique [[meanings(linguistics)|meaning]]s of [[utterances]] from previously existing utterances and sounds. 12. [[Traditional Transmission]]: The idea that [[human language]] is not completely [[innate]] and [[acquisition]] depends in part on the [[learning]] and [[teaching]] of a [[language]]. 13. [[Duality of Patterning]]: The ability to rearrange the [[phonemes|smallest units]] of [[human language]], [[phonemes]], to create new [[words]]. While Hockett believed that all [[communication]] systems, [[animal]] and [[human]] alike, share many of these features, only [[human language]] contains all of the 13 [[Design Features of Language|design features]]. Additionally, [[Traditional Transmission|traditional transmission]], and [[duality of patterning]] are key spoken [[human language]]. =====[[Hockett]]s [[Design Features of Language|Design Features]] and their Implications for [[Human]] [[Language]]===== 1. [[Hockett]] suggests that the importance of an [[vocal-auditory channel]] lies in the fact that the animal can [[communicate]] while also performing other tasks, such as [[eating]], or using [[tools]]. 2. [[Broadcast Transmission and Directional Reception]]: An [[auditory|audible]] [[human]] language signal is sent out in all directions, but is perceived in a limited direction. For example, [[human]]s are more proficient in determining the location of a sound source when the sound is projecting directly in front of them as opposed to a sound source projected directly behind them. 3. [[Rapid Fading]] of a [[signal]] in [[human]] [[communication]] differs from such things as [[animal]] tracks and [[written language]] because an [[utterance]] does not continue to exist after it has been [[broadcast]]. With this in mind, it is important to note that [[Hockett]] viewed [[spoken language]] as the primary concern for investigation. [[Written language]] was seen as being secondary to its recent [[evolution]] in [[culture]]. 4. [[Interchangeability]] represents a [[human]]s ability to [[act]] out or [[reproduce]] any [[linguistic]] message that they are able to [[comprehension|comprehend]]. This differs from many [[animal communication]] systems, particularly in regards to [[mating]]. For example, [[human]]s have the ability to say and do anything that they feel may benefit them in attracting a [[mate]]. [[Stickleback]]s on the other hand different [[male]] and [[female]] [[courtship]] motions; a [[male]] cannot replicate a [[female]]s motions and vice versa. 5. [[Total Feedback]] is important in differentiating a [[human]]s ability to [[internalize]] their own productions of [[speech]] and [[behavior]]. This design-feature incorporates the idea that [[human]]s have insight into their actions. 6. [[Specialization]] is apparent in the [[anatomy]] of [[human]] [[speech organs]] and our ability to exhibit some control over these [[organs]]. For example, a key assumption in the [[evolution of language]] is that the descent of the [[larynx]] has allowed [[human]]s to produce [[speech]] sounds. Additionally, in terms of control, humans are generally able to control the movements of their [[tongue]] and [[mouth]]. [[Dog]]s however, do not have control over these organs. When dogs pant they are [[animal communication|communicating]] a [[signal]], but the panting is an uncontrollable response [[reflex]] of being hot [http://www.columbia.edu/itc/psychology/rmk/Readings/Hockett.pdf]. 7. [[Semanticity]]: A specific signal can be matched with a specific meaning within a particular language system. For example, all people that understand [[English language|English]] have the ability to make a connection between a specific word and what that word represents or refers to. (Hockett notes that [[gibbon]]s also show semanticity in their [[signal]]s, however their calls are far more broad than [[human language]].) 8. [[Arbitrariness]] within [[human language]] suggests that there is no direct connection between the type of [[signal]] ([[word]]) and what is being referenced. For example, an animal as large as a [[cow]] can be referred to by a very short word [http://www.geocities.com/pkd_du/dfhl.htm]. 9. [[Discreteness]]: Each [[phoneme|basic unit of speech]] can be categorized and is distinct from other categories. In [[human language]] there are only a small set of [[sound]] ranges that are used and the differences between these bits of sound are absolute. In contrast, the [[waggle dance]] of [[honeybees]] is continuous. 10. [[Displacement]] refers to the [[human language]] system's ability to [[communicate]] about things that are not present spatially, temporally, or [[reality|realistically]]. For example, [[human]]s have the ability to communicate about [[unicorns]] and [[outer space]]. 11. [[Productivity]]:: [[human language]] is open and productive in the sense that [[human]]s have the ability to say things that have never before been [[spoken]] or [[Hearing (sense)|heard]]. In contrast, [[apes]] such as the [[gibbon]] have a closed [[communication]] system because all of their [[vocal]] [[sounds]] are part of a finite repertoire of familiar calls. 12. [[Traditional Transmission]]:: suggests that while certain aspects of [[language]] may be [[innate]], [[human]]s acquire words and their [[native language]] from other [[speakers]]. This is different from many [[animal communication]] systems because most animals are born with the [[innate]] [[knowledge]] and [[skills]] necessary for [[survival]]. (Example: [[Honeybees]] have an inborn ability to perform and understand the [[waggle dance]]). 13. [[Duality of Patterning]]: Humans have the ability to recombine a finite set of [[phoneme]]s to create an infinite number of words and sounds. =====Design Feature Representation in other Communication Systems===== '''[[Honeybees]]''' Foraging [[honeybees]] communicate with other members of their [[hive]] when they have discovered a relevant source of [[pollen]], [[nectar]], or [[water]]. In an effort relate information in regards to the location and distance of the resources, honeybees participate in a particular figure-eight dance known as the [[waggle dance]]. In [[Charles Hockett]]'s "The Origin of Speech," Hockett determined that the [[honeybee]] [[communication]] system of the [[waggle dance]] holds the following [[Design Features of Language|design features]]: 1. [[Broadcast Transmission and Directional Reception]] - Through the use of this dance, honeybees are able to send out a signal that informs other members of the [[hive]] as to what direction the source of [[food]], or [[water]] can be located. 2. [[Semanticity]] - Evidence that the specific [[signals]] of a [[communication]] system can be matched with specific meanings is apparent because other members of the [[hive]] are able to locate the food source after a performance of the [[waggle dance]]. 3. [[Displacement]] - Demonstrated in the foraging [[honeybees]] ability to [[communicate]] about a resource that is not currently present within the [[hive]]. 4. [[Productivity]] - [[waggle dance]]s change based on the direction, amount, and type of resource. '''[[Gibbon]]s''' [[Gibbon]]s are small apes in the family Hylobatidae. While [[gibbon]]s share the same [[Kingdom (biology)|kingdom]], [[phylum]], [[Class (biology)|class]], and [[Order (biology)|order]] of [[human]]s and are relatively close to man, [[Hockett]] distinguishes between the [[Gibbon]] [[communication]] system and [[human language]] by noting that [[Gibbon]]s are devoid of the last four design features. [[Gibbon]]s possess the first nine [[Design Features of Language|design features]], but do not possess the last four ([[displacement]], [[productivity]], [[Traditional Transmission|traditional transmission]], and [[duality of patterning]]). 1. [[Displacement]], according to [[Hockett]], appears to be lacking in the [[vocal]] [[signal]]ing of [[apes]]. 2. [[Productivity]] does not exist among [[Gibbon]]s because if any [[vocal]] [[sound]] is produced, it is one of a finite set of repetitive and familiar calls. 3. [[Hockett]] supports the idea that [[human]]s learn [[language]] extra[[genetically]] through the process of [[Traditional Transmission|traditional transmission]]. [[Hockett]] distinguishes [[Gibbon]]s from [[humans]] by stating that despite any similarities in [[communication]] among a [[species]] of [[apes]], we cannot attribute these similarities to acquisition through the [[teaching]] and [[learning]] ([[Traditional Transmission|traditional transmission]]) of [[signals]]; the only explanation must be a [[genetic]] basis. 4. Finally, [[duality of patterning]] explains a [[human]]'s ability to create multiple [[meanings (linguistics)|meanings]] from somewhat meaningless [[sounds]]. For example, the [[phonemes|sound]]s /t/, /a/, /c/ can be used to create the [[word]]s [[cat]], [[tack]], and [[act]]. [[Hockett]] states that no other [[Hominoid]] [[communication]] system besides [[human language]] maintains this ability. == Works == * 1939: Potowatomi Syntax. ''Language'' 15: 235-248. * 1947: "Peiping phonology", in: ''Journal of the American Oriental Society'', 67, pp. 253-267. [= Martin Joos (ed.), ''Readings in Linguistics'', vol. I, 4th edition. Chicago and London 1966, pp. 217-228]. * 1947: "Problems of morphemic analysis", in: ''[[Language (journal)|Language]]'', 24, pp. 414-41. [= ''Readings in Linguistics'', vol. I, pp. 229-242]. * 1948: "Biophysics, linguistics, and the unity of science", in: ''[[American Scientist]]'', 36, pp. 558-572. * 1950: "Peiping morphophonemics", in: ''Language'', 26, pp. 63-85. [= ''Readings in Linguistics'', vol. I, pp. 315-328]. * 1954: "Two models of grammatical description", in: ''Word'', 10, pp. 210-234. [= ''Readings in Linguistics'', vol. I, pp. 386-399]. * 1955: ''A Manual of Phonology''. Indiana University Publications in Anthropology and Linguistics 11. * 1958: ''A Course in Modern Linguistics''. The Macmillan Company: New York. * 1960: "The Origin of Speech". in ''[[Scientific American]]'', 203, pp.89-97. * 1961: "Linguistic Elements and Their Relation" in ''[[Language (journal)|Language]]'', 37: 29-53. * 1973: Man's Place in Nature. New York: McGraw-Hill. * 1977: The View From Language. Athens: The University of Georgia Press. * 1987: Refurbishing Our Foundations. Amsterdam: John Benjamins. == References == *Falk, Julia S. 2003. "Turn to the history of linguistics : Noam Chomsky and Charles Hockett in the 1960s". ''Historiographia linguistica'' (international journal for the history of the language sciences) 30/1-2, pp. 129-185. [http://www.ilx.nl/blonline/blonlinesearch2.php?ficheid=200000103564] *Gair, James W. 2003. [Obituary] Charles F. Hockett. ''Language''. 79:600-613. *Hockett, Charles F. (1960), "The Origin of Speech," ''Scientific American''. *Fox, Margalit 2003 (Obituary) "Champion of structural linguistics" The New York Times == External links == * [http://specgram.com/JLSSCNC.I.2/02.whitcomb.hockett.html Old Professor Hockett]: A poem written in honor of Hockett by one of his students during his 1991 visit to [[Rice University]]. * [http://listserv.linguistlist.org/cgi-bin/wa?A2=ind0011b&L=linganth&D=0&O=A&P=723 Linguist List]: Obituary of Charles Hockett from [[the New York Times]] ([[November 13]], [[2000]]), reproduced on the Linguist List. The NY Times link to the obituary is at [http://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/13/national/13HOCK.html NY Times] * [http://www.people.ex.ac.uk/bosthaus/Lecture/hockett1.htm Features of Human Language] * [http://books.nap.edu/html/biomems/chockett.pdf Charles Hockett-Biography] {{DEFAULTSORT:Hockett, Charles F.}} [[Category:1916 births]] [[Category:2000 deaths]] [[Category:American linguists]] [[Category:People from Columbus, Ohio]] [[Category:Ohio State University alumni]] [[bn:চার্লস হকেট]] [[cs:Charles F. Hockett]] [[es:Charles F. Hockett]] [[ru:Хоккет, Чарльз]]