Modern Social Science Research

As one of the most influential thinkers of 20th-century Russia, Bakhtin’s research spans a wide range of fields, including not only foundational disciplines such as sociology, linguistics, and the philosophy of language but also interdisciplinary areas like literary studies and methodology of the humanities. This cross-disciplinary perspective endows his ideas with unique depth and breadth. Compared to his contemporaries, Bakhtin’s philosophy of language is distinct, primarily manifested in three aspects: metalinguistics, discourse theory, and dialogism. Bakhtin argues that discourse is the actual form of language existence, rather than merely an external manifestation of linguistic structure. Discourse embodies the intentions and emotions of the speaker, which can only be realized through dialogue between the self and others. This dialogue is not only a linguistic exchange but also an interaction of ideas and emotions. Bakhtin advocates the spirit of dialogism, emphasizing the realization of individual self-awareness and social harmony through dialogue. His profound insights into the nature of language also engage in a dialogue with scholars such as Saussure, Wittgenstein, and Grice, offering new perspectives for the development of the philosophy of language. Therefore, Bakhtin’s philosophy of language is not only an important reflection of his personal academic achievements but also a crucial entry point for understanding his entire ideological system.

Philosophy of language; Metalinguistics; Discourse; Dialogism; Context