Language, Thought and Perception: A Proposed Theory of Meaning

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The problem of referential meaning together with the problem of semantic universaleconstitute the two most important issues which face contemporary semantics. Al-
though semantic universale are a topic of considerable interest to a growing number
of linguists, the problem of reference is, surprisingly enough, given little attention.1
No one has yet advanced a theory which offers a reasonable answer to both ques-
tions. However, many of the issues which hold the key to finding a solution to both
problems have found reasonably viable solutions. Unfortunately, these partial
answers are imbedded in a variety of different, sometimes conflicting, theories in
linguistics, philosophy, and psychology. The lack of meaningful communication
between disciplines, indeed between rival factions within disciplines, has made the
situation appear bleaker than it actually is.
This study, therefore, addresses itself to the task of showing that at the present
time a meaningful, empirically oriented 'answer' to the problems of referential
meaning and semantic universale can be worked out on the basis of 'material' which
is already available.
An examination of Wilhelm von Humboldt's position in regard to the problem of
universale will constitute the first step in establishing the required foundation for
the proposed synthesis. This examination will lead to the consideration of space and
time as universals of human experience insofar as they are relevant to the development of the ideas forwarded in the present study. After the necessary groundwork
is laid in this discussion, it will then be possible to proceed to the superstructure of
the theory.