Thomas Stackhouse's Theory of Linguistic Rhetoric: A Study of Reflections on the Nature and Property of Languages (1731)

SUMMARYThomas Stackhouse's (1657-1752) Reflections On the Nature and Property of Languages (1731) was directly concerned with two areas critical to an understanding of 18th century English linguistic theory: the nature and origin of language, and rhetorical grammar. Stackhouse's method was as follows: he defined language according to its origins and history, and he identified those rhetorical universals which he beheved were essential for the refinement of language. Assuming that all languages were equal in their capacity to communicate, Stackhouse argued that perspicuity, purity, copiousness, neatness, energy, sublimity, and number increased the effectiveness of language. A study oi Reflections suggests that theories of language, thought, and society must dovetail if we are to ever explain communication.RESUMEL'ouvrage de Thomas Stackhouse (1657-1752) Reflections sur la Nature et la propriete des langues (1731) traite de deux domaines capitaux pour la comprehension de la theorie linguistique en Angleterre au 18eme si£cle: la nature et Porigine de la langue, la grammaire rhetorique. La méthode de Stackhouse consistait a définir la langue d'apres ses origines et son histoire et a relever les universaux rhetoriques qu'il croyait essentiels au raffmement de la langue. Presupposant toutes les langues egales par leur capacite de communiquer, Stack-house soutenait que le clarte, la purete, l'abondance, la nettete, Venergie, la sublimite, et le nombre accroissaient l'effeicacite de la langue: en etudiant les reflections, on est amene a penser qu'il faut combiner les theories du langage, de la pensee et de la societe, si on veut un jour expliquer la communication.