Reviewer gives a survey of the new phylogenetic theory of language recently published by Prof. Dr. G. Révész, founder and director of the Laboratory for experimental psychology of the University of Amsterdam (see notes under)). The starting-point of the theory is the conception of "contact", defined by the author as the innate trend to be together or to co-operate, common to all socially living beings. This "theory of contact" is developed by the author in different directions and gives rise to (...) the distinction 1. of three degrees of communication: cry (Zuruf), call (Anruf) and word (Wort) ("Dreistufentheorie"), 2. of three periods in the development of language: a pre-phase (Vorphase), a primevalphase (Frühphase) and a final phase (Vollphase ("Dreiphasentheorie") and 3. of three main functions of language: impelling (Aufforderung), indication (Mitteilung) and interrogation (Frage) ("Dreifunktionstheorie"), and leads to the conclusion that most probably the oldest form of human intercourse was restricted to the function of impelling ("Imperativsprache"). Prof. R. lays great stress on the in his opinion unsurmountable barrier between human and animal forms of communication. (shrink)

Dr. J. van Ginneken S.J., whose death occurred on the 20th of October 1945, was the author of the well-known "Principes de Linguistique psychologique". In the above article the writer commemorates Dr. van Ginneken particularly as a significist. During the years 1919-1924 the writer was privileged -- together with his friends L. E. J. Brouwer and Fred. van Eeden -- to collaborate with Dr. van Ginneken on the subject of significs. This collaboration has always been a precious memory to him. (...) It proved moreover, that profound differences in conception about life and world need not prevent a fertile exchange of thoughts, provided the participants are actuated by the serious will to fathom to the depth each other's mentality. (shrink)

Te onderscheiden is de significa of leer van de taaldaad in ruimere en die in engere zin. In ruimere zin omvat deze het gehele gebied van de verstandhoudingsmiddelen (= beïnvloedingsmiddelen) van levende wezens (in hoofdzaak dieren en mensen, zowel individueel als groeps- of soortsgewijs), doch in de meer gebruikelijke, technischwetenschappelijke betekenis beperkt de significa zich tot het geestelijk verkeer tussen mensen of groepen van mensen, en zou dus (onder uitschakeling van de gewone taalwetenschappen, als linguistiek, semantologie, e.d.) omschreven kunnen worden (...) als de leer van de menselijke verstandhoudingsverschijnselen, beschouwd uit taalkundig, mimisch en psychisch gezichtspunt. (shrink)