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2 - The Nature of Language

Truth and Meaning

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 July 2023

Alexus McLeod
Alexus McLeod
Affiliation:
Indiana University
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Summary

This chapter includes an investigation of precolonial Mesoamerican languages, including Maya languages and Nahuatl, and their connection to issues of truth and meaning. We find the concept of truth connected to representation and activity. The importance of performative aspects of language can be seen in different ways throughout Mesoamerican traditions, from the ritual performances of the Maya to the focus of acts of speaking of the Aztecs. The chapter begins with a consideration of written language, and continues on to considerations of movement and physical performance as symbolic and as continuous with language, which expresses meaning by sharing essence with what is expressed.

Keywords

languagetruthMaya glyphsNahuatlwritingmeaning
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Chapter
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An Introduction to Mesoamerican Philosophy , pp. 55 - 81
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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  • The Nature of Language
  • Alexus McLeod, Indiana University
  • Book: An Introduction to Mesoamerican Philosophy
  • Online publication: 28 July 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009218726.003
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  • The Nature of Language
  • Alexus McLeod, Indiana University
  • Book: An Introduction to Mesoamerican Philosophy
  • Online publication: 28 July 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009218726.003
Available formats
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Save book to Google Drive

To save content items to your account, please confirm that you agree to abide by our usage policies. If this is the first time you use this feature, you will be asked to authorise Cambridge Core to connect with your account. Find out more about saving content to Google Drive.

  • The Nature of Language
  • Alexus McLeod, Indiana University
  • Book: An Introduction to Mesoamerican Philosophy
  • Online publication: 28 July 2023
  • Chapter DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009218726.003
Available formats
×