Abstract
ABSTRACT : Any attempt at determining "what is the object of linguistics" is inherently normative, in that it amounts to selecting a particular class of observable data, which will be the focus of linguistic inquiry. This creates theoretical objects whose ontological status can be disputed. The well-known trichotomy between nominalism, conceptualism and realism is surely not sufficient (for instance, Popperian realism should not be confused with Plato's realism). From a historical viewpoint, it is interesting to distinguish between two traditions, respectively characterized by a "notional" or a "philological" option. During the 19th and the 20th centuries, two innovative traditions appeared : the first one is historical ; the second one, which was initiated by Saussure, aims at defining an autonomous field of research. Finally, linguistic theories can be grouped into families (according to the primacy they give to a systemic, a psychological or a sociological orientation). For instance, Chomsky is a realist who belongs to the psychological tradition while maintaining the autonomy of linguistics.
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