RT Journal Article SR Electronic(1) A1 de Beaugrande, Robert YR 1994 T1 Function and form in language theory and research: The tide is turning JF Functions of Language VO 1 IS 2 SP 163 OP 200 DO https://doi.org/10.1075/fol.1.2.02bea PB John Benjamins SN 0929-998X, AB It is argued that many of the major notions in 'mainstream' linguistic theory and method over the years have been influenced by a 'classical formalist' ambience that suited conventional ideas about how science ought to proceed but fostered an idealized 'frozen' conception of the language system in isolation from reality and society. Today, the tide is turning toward functionalist accounts of language; but the accompanying shift in our scientific programme calls for careful reflection. Some deep-lying motives for the shift are explored with a view to potential consequences., UL https://www.jbe-platform.com/content/journals/10.1075/fol.1.2.02bea