Expert database systems: L Kerschberg (ed) Benjamin/Cummings, Redwood City, CA, USA (1989) 779 pp hardback

Abstract

Since the future of the study of language seems bifurcated, one direction being outward-looking while the other inward-looking, as was so suggested by Robins at the beginning, most linguists want to know the answer to one important question: “Where does it go from here in the bifurcation?” While an answer has been provided, which is the recognition of both viewpoints as being of equal value, a more difficult question may also be raised; namely, “How can the two viewpoints be recognized as being of equal value?” In this Epilogue, I shall take upon myself this difficult question and attempt to find a plausible answer. It is concluded that in order to recognize the two viewpoints as being of equal value, it is imperative that we strive for full recognition of the study of language that is related to the use of channels other than the oral-auditory one. It is in this sense that the study of language in a semiotic frame, as represented by the contributions of this volume, will better serve the purpose for the direction we are headed in which the inward-looking viewpoint can be advanced to meet the outward-looking viewpoint so that the two viewpoints may be recognized in the not distant future as being of equal value.