The Legacy of Postmodernism: The Heightened Power of Lexicon over Syntax

This paper is composed of three parts: part one deals with the trends of language study, the interest of philosophers in determining the meanings of ʻ meaning ʼ, sentential meaning versus pragmatic meaning, and the powerful role of words in conducting social affairs, wielding political leverage, and expressing imagistic fancies in poetry. The second part, drawing on Vygotsky’s (1973) views, seeks the genetic roots of thought and speech. The third part focuses on discussion regarding external speech, egocentric speech, and inner speech. This part also highlights differences between Vygotsky’s view and Piagetʼs view regarding the nature and functions of these parts of speech.