Radchenko O.A.
AT THE CROSSROADS OF ETHNOPSYCHOLINGUISTICS AND PHILOSOPHY OF LANGUAGE: IN MEMORY OF E.F. TARASOV
Abstract. The article is dedicated to the academic work of Evgeniy Fyodorovich Tarasov (1935–2024), Doctor of Philological Sciences, Senior Professor, a distinguished linguist and researcher whose works significantly influenced the development of ethnopsycholinguistics and organizational psycholinguistics. It analyzes E.F. Tarasov’s early publications that explore the national and cultural specifics of linguistic communication, the interaction between verbal and non-verbal components, and the role of language in cognitive processes. Special attention is given to his attempts to synthesize the theory of speech acts with the philosophy of language, incorporating ideas by L.S. Vygotsky, A.A. Leontiev, and the Neo-Humboldtians. Although his works of that time were adapted to the prevailing ideology in the USSR, they contained original conceptual approaches, such as the study of the “field of meanings” and its relationship to the “field of senses,” as well as the interpretation of social roles in communication. These ideas formed the foundation for new directions in psycholinguistics and continue to inspire contemporary researchers. The author shares memories of collaborative work and discussions with Evgeniy Tarasov, emphasizing his interpretation of Neo-Humboldtian ideas and the influence of classical works on his perspectives. The article also describes vivid episodes from this remarkable linguist’s life, illustrating his humanity and sense of humor, complementing the portrait of an outstanding scholar.
Keywords: E.F. Tarasov, ethnopsycholinguistics, worldview, Neo-Humboldtianism, philosophy of language, national specifics of speech communication.