Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A surname: "Jakobson" is a surname of Scandinavian or Jewish origin.
   • Roman Jakobson: Specifically refers to Roman Osipovich Jakobson, a highly influential 20th-century linguist and literary theorist.

Usage

• The name "Jakobson" is used to refer to the person, Roman Jakobson, especially in academic contexts concerning linguistics, semiotics, and literary theory.
• It is treated as a singular proper noun.

Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Roman Jakobson's work on phonology and structural linguistics remains foundational.
  • The concept of the "Jakobson model" of communication is taught in many introductory courses.
  • Scholars often cite Jakobson when discussing the functions of language.

Advanced Usage

• "Jakobsonian" (adjective): Pertaining to or characteristic of the theories of Roman Jakobson.
  • A Jakobsonian analysis focuses on the poetic function of language.
• Used metonymically to refer to his body of work or theoretical framework.
  • Understanding modern semiotics requires some familiarity with Jakobson.

Variants and Related Words

• Jakobsonian (adj.): Relating to Roman Jakobson or his theories.
• Structuralism: The theoretical movement with which Jakobson is closely associated.

Synonyms

• Roman Jakobson (full name).
• The linguist Jakobson.

Notes

• As a proper noun referring to a specific individual, it does not have direct synonyms. The synonyms listed are alternative ways to refer to the same person.
• The name is often associated with key linguistic concepts such as distinctive features, language functions, and the study of aphasia.

Noun

1. United States linguist (born in Russia) noted for his description of the universals of phonology (1896-1982)