Think about the way the xenologist in Hockett (1955) approaches learning the Martian language, and compare that with the different aspects of language that Finegan (2015) describes in Chapter 1.
What aspects of language does the xenologist consider when trying to learn about the Martian language? What aspects does he seem to not consider? Based on Agha’s (2007) description of the development of linguistics as a field of study, do you think the xenologist’s approach is more Saussurean or more Boasian? Why?
The goal of this assignment is to share your understanding of the material. You are not summarizing the text. Instead you are expected to respond by asking questions, making connections between pieces, and synthesizing the themes in the readings and your own experiences with language.
