This paper aims at summarizing and explaining from a
functional point of view the purposes of writing, or the use of
a writing system, in contrast with of speaking. Here writing is
presupposed 1) to replace speaking, which is the primary form
of linguistic performance; and 2) to be thus secondary to speaking.
First, the most important characteristic of writing, i.e.
preservability, is discussed in contrast with the ephemerality of
speaking. Then, the- removable, remote, and delaying nature
of writing is deduced from preservability as its corollaries, and
is further contrasted with speaking.
Secondly, functions essential to writing are pointed out
and discussed with reference to actual writing performance.
The central functions, namely mnemonic and remote mediating
functions, are delimited first, then the peripheral ones, such as
differentiating, ordering, expressive and ritual function, are
discussed. The mnemonic and remote mediating functions are
derived, respectively, from the preservable and remote nature of
writing. The differentiating function is then to mark a particular
individual from among similar ones, which could be performed
also by signs or mere marks, other than by writing systems.
But, for this purpose, the use of writing is by far more economical
than any other means. Ordering is realized normally and par
excellance by cardinal numbers, but is also possible and probable
by any ordered system of writing, such as alphabet systems,
Japanese kana syllabaries, and the like. Expressive (in a sociological
sense) function of using one and the same writing system
is especially obvious in a community, for instance the Minangkabau
community in West Sumatra at the beginning of this
century, where two or more different value systems are in daily
contact with each other. In an illiterate community, however,
literacy itself might bring expressive effect to the literate sector
of the community. The ritual or sometimes esoteric function
of writing is a very marginal phenomenon that, in its perfect
form, is observed only in an illiterate community where only
a few members or visitors are, marginally or fully, literate. Such
was the case with some Melanesian communities at the beginning
of this century, when Christian missionaries started their activities.
Finally, various types and instances of writing are quoted
and discussed to illustrate the efficacy of the framework set up
in this paper. Instances are categorized into memoranda,
letters, notices (or unilateral communication), literary works,
calligraphy and amulets.
文字使用の目的
KH_009_3_005.pdf
(968.17KB)
