The zeintgeist around the concept of speech in Port-Royal grammar: the “good use” of language

Abstract

This article intends to trace the climate of time for the concept of discourse in Port-Royal Grammar (PRG) as to what was thought in the 17th century about the “good use” of language, which delimitates this founding text’s relevance (COLOMBAT; FOURNIER; PUECH, 2010) for the History of Ideas on Language. Published in 1660, PRG became famous for being considered a pioneering work in the area of Philosophy of Language. Its authors intended to propose a philosophical and rational study of language. PRG contrasted with the tone of linguistic studies of the time, which was in tune with the concern about the “good use” of language, understood merely in stylistic terms. Such an epistemological cut was necessary due to the generality with which the concept of discourse was invested, seen as a synonym for speech/use, which must be regulated by rules. This perspective has influenced Noam Chomsky's Generative-Transformational Grammar theoretical construct.