[Air-L] Language and the development of self?

[Charles Ess]

While I'm asking for help ...
Good / canonical references for close analyses showing the correlation
between language and variable sense of selfhood / identity?

Beyond Sapir-Whorf, I think - parallel with Foucault's understanding of how
writing becomes a "technology of the self" - but, ideally, with a close and
detailed look at how different languages / grammars / syntax (plural?) etc.
Seem to correlate with prevailing understandings of the individual vis-à-vis
the larger world around, beginning with the human community but extending
into the larger natural / supernatural world.

For example, Ames and Rosemont, in a terrific essay on classical Chinese,
including its use in the Analects, make clear connections between Western
languages as substantive languages that they then tie into especially modern
conceptions of the self as a substance, in contrast with the more process-
and relationally-oriented character of classical Chinese, which they argue
is correlated with the relational sense of self in ancient China (Ames,
Roger, and Rosemont, Henry. 1998. ³Metaphysics, with Reference to Language,²
The Analects of Confucius: A Philosophical Translation, pp. 20-37.)

One of the best essays I've seen in more than 20 years - but looking for
additional work along these lines.

Again, tips, tricks, and suggestions - if only for keywords and main
journals / databases in which to search - will be gratefully received.

Cheers,
- charles ess

Institut for Informations- og Medievidenskab
Helsingforsgade 14
8200 Århus N.
Denmark
mail: <imvce at hum.au.dk>
tel: (+45) 8942 9250

Distinguished Research Professor, Interdisciplinary Studies
Drury University, Springfield, Missouri 65802 USA

Exemplary persons seek harmony, not sameness. -- Analects 13.23