Bibliography on the meaning of names

Like a great passionate about philosophy, of language, etymology, lexicology, the onomastics and languages ​​in general, we must look back. Already in Ancient Rome we have to mention the writer Marco Terence, one of the first to talk about etymology y meaning of the words. Although he has already rubbed shoulders with the best and best known philosophers of all time. Yes, philosophy is also linked to this theme and it has helped me to understand many concepts that we will reflect here.

When I discovered his branch of the philosophy of language, I found all the information about the meaning, semantics or the use of said language and it is another of the main parts to be able to understand this exciting world. There are many names of works that we could mention, such as Plato and his 'Cratylus', with which I personally remain as one of the pioneers. In it the philosopher talks about the relationships between meanings and words. So there is talk of a 'science of names', in which Socrates also appears.

Bertrand Russell, author of On Denotation

Although I would also highlight Locke and his work on the 'Essay on Human Understanding'. Since it is one of the most focused on thesis and semantic problems: 'Without experience, understanding is empty'. A quote that comes from that book and that always helps us understand our mission a little more. It is also interesting to notice Russell who bets on the theories of descriptions or Leech who mentions conceptual and associative meanings.

We owe a lot to Elio Antonio de Nebrija who was the one who published the first Castilian grammar. The same as reading and listening to what he had to say, another of the great linguists like von Humboldt, who wondered if a language is the one that creates the culture or it requires a single language and who is an obligatory reading author. Of course, Saussure accompanied me on the long journey of the study, thanks to the contribution to modern linguistics.

Interesting has been the proposal of Jaime Balmes who proposed that human beings are not capable of understanding a term, just when we hear it, but we must associate it and later, we will come to identify it. Different positions of understanding this wide range of understanding that can only be reached after various readings and studies. Finally we cannot forget other proper names that revolutionized with their works such as Antenor Nascentes or Joachim Grzega.

Basic books and essays, which are a reference for learning

Here is a list of the books that have marked me the most.

  • Plato. 'Cratylus'. (Dialogues)
  • Terencio Varrón, Marco: 'De Lingua Latina'.
  • Locke, John: 'Essay on Human Understanding'.
  • Gottlob Frege, Friedrich: 'On meaning and denotation'.
  • Russell, Bertrand (1905): 'On denotation'
  • De Nebrija, Elio Antonio (1492): 'Art of the Castilian language'.
  • Von Humboldt, Whilhelm (1829): 'On comparative linguistics in relation to the different periods of linguistic development'.

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