An Integrative Approach to Linguistics and Philosophy of Language: A Case Study of Halliday and Wittgenstein’s Theoretical Interplay

This paper focuses on the integrative study of linguistics and the philosophy of language, aiming to elucidate the theoretical approach underpinning their mutual interaction, and conducts a case study through the theoretical dialogue between Halliday and Wittgenstein. It begins by outlining the intrinsic connections between the two disciplines and arguing for the necessity of an integrative approach. Furthermore, based on the tripartite framework of language, reality, and mind, it explores the bidirectional relationship between the thoughts of Halliday and Wittgenstein through key issues such as the rationale of grammar, language’s social nature, and its role in cognitive construction. On this basis, the feasibility of integrative research is evaluated, and broadly applicable experiences and principles are distilled. It is argued that the integration of the two disciplines rests on identifying their connecting elements, constructing a pathway for their mutual permeation — with particular emphasis on the back-feeding role of linguistics to the philosophy of language — and ultimately achieving a dual-perspective observation of core linguistic issues. The practical implementation of integration should be grounded in theoretical reflection, construction, and comparative studies of the scholarship of representative figures.