On the empirical challenge to integrational studies in language

In this article, the need for integrational linguistics to embrace empirical investigations of communication processes is discussed. Though most integrationists apparently refuse to entertain the idea that integrational language studies should be based on empirical evidence of past communication processes there does not seem to be any deep-seated theoretical assumptions that would prevent integrationists from taking the empirical consequences of their theoretical claims. This does not imply, however, that an empirical turn would be void of theoretical or methodological problems, two of which are addressed here: the problem of decontextualization and the problem of (re)textualization. Finally, the problem of generalization is discussed. To illustrate the points made, an empirical analysis of a concrete communication process is supplied. It is argued that unless the empirical challenge is solved, integrational language studies will not advance our understanding of how people de facto manage to communicate.

► The concept of ‘linguistic data’ is discussed from an integrational perspective.
► It is argued that integrational linguistics needs to deal with matters of decontextualization and (re)textualization.
► Retrocontextualization is introduced as a means to remedy the effects of decontextualization.
► To illustrate the points made, an empirical analysis of a concrete communication process is supplied.