A Philosophicall Essay for the Reunion of the Languages (eBook)

Pierre Besnier (1648-1714) was a French savant and polyglot known for his endeavors in linguistic studies during the 17th century. His erudition is encapsulated in his seminal work 'A Philosophicall Essay for the Reunion of the Languages,' an ambitious proposal aimed at developing a universal language to enhance scholarly communication across different nations and cultures. Besnier's linguistic philosophy was influenced by the optimistic rationalism of his time, which sought the unification of knowledge and the promotion of international scholarship and diplomacy through a common linguistic medium. While the idea of a universal language predates Besnier, with notable antecedents such as the lingua ignota of Hildegard of Bingen and the lingua franca of the Mediterranean traders, Besnier's contribution is distinguished by his methodical approach to the phonetic and semantic structures of European languages. His treatise extrapolates the potential for harmonizing vocabulary and grammar, thus constructing a bridge for mutual understanding amongst scholars. Besnier's scholarship sought to transcend the mere compilation of lexicons; instead, he endeavored to root his linguistic philosophy in the principles of logic and natural order, a reflection of the era's persevering belief in rationalism and its capabilities to foster a more enlightened society. Albeit his universal language did not gain the widespread adoption he envisioned, Pierre Besnier stands as a historical figure whose intellectual pursuits reflect the perpetual human quest for unity and comprehension through the power of language.