Bridging the Gaps: How Intersubjectivity Shapes Historical and Scientific Cognition of Chinese Linguistics

Abstract

This paper explores the pivotal role of intersubjectivity in shaping the historical and scientific cognition of Chinese linguistics. It examines how shared understanding and mutual comprehension, facilitated through social interactions and communication, have influenced both traditional scholarship and modern approaches to studying the Chinese language. The paper traces the intersubjective foundations laid by pioneering scholars like Fang Yi-zhi, the integration of Western linguistic theories in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the interdisciplinary connections with fields like genetics and cognitive science in recent decades. It also discusses how contemporary advancements in computational linguistics and AI have fostered intersubjective dialogues and collective meaning-making. The synthesis of insights across disciplines highlights the collaborative nature of linguistic research and the importance of conceptualizing language as a dynamic, interactive process. Ultimately, the paper demonstrates how intersubjectivity has enabled the continuous evolution of Chinese linguistic scholarship by integrating historical context with modern scientific methodologies.