The Problem of the National Identity and Language in Wilhelm von Humboldt's Philosophy: The Road Through the Foreigness to the Undivided Unity

Abstract

As one of the most important philosophers in 19th century, Humboldt considers in additions to other subject matters- the relation between the language and nation in The Heterogenity of Language and its Influence on the Intellectual Development of Mankind [Uber die Verschiedenheit des menschlichen Sprachbaues und ihren Einfluss auf die geistige Entwicklung des Menschengeschlechts]. The study deals with the analysis of Humboldt's work from the perspective of the national identity and language problem. The analysis is based on the notion of Benedict Anderson's "imagined communities". Although specific notions, topoi, such as building national identity and homogeneity; rewriting the history; building a national mind and difference; othering and the role of the language in nation building will not be the focus point of this study, but they will form the framework for the analysis.