Linguistic know-how and the orders of language

•An account of linguistic knowledge in terms of knowing-how is proposed.•Metalinguistic practices are argued to be constitutive of linguistic knowledge.•The distinction between first-order linguistic activity and second-order practices is clarified.

This paper proposes an account of linguistic knowledge in terms of knowing-how, starting from Love's seminal distinction between first-order linguistic activity and second-order (or metalinguistic) practices. Metalinguistic practices are argued to be constitutive of linguistic knowledge. Skilful linguistic behaviour is subject to correction based on criterial support provided through metalinguistic practices. Linguistic know-how is knowing-how to provide and to recognise criterial support for first-order linguistic activity. I conclude that participation in first-order linguistic activity requires a critical reflective attitude, which implies that all first-order linguistic activity has a second-order dimension.