CRITICISM AND SCOPE OF GLOBAL LANGUAGE SYSTEM THEORY

Text topic: New Key to Sociology

Text author: Божидар Филиповић

In this paper we have attempted to present the global language system theory of Abram de Swaan. We have offered a critical analysis of the application of rational choice theory to the problem of relationship between different natural languages. The use of rational choice theory and de Swaan’s instrument of the communication value have placed limits on the scope to which his contribution can produce a more complex explanation of the second language learning. De Swaan eclectic (parallel) approach in the considered study does not resolve the problem of a narrow theoretical framework of the global language system (communication value). However, we have offered some possible direction for improvement and better understanding of the global language system within the same theoretical frame.