Origins & Early Life

Roman Osipovich Jakobson (born Roman Iosel-Berovich Yakobson; 10 October [O.S. 28 September] 1896 – 18 July 1982) was a Russian linguist and literary theorist. A pioneer of structural linguistics, Jakobson was one of the most celebrated and influential linguists of the twentieth century. With Nikolai Trubetzkoy, he developed revolutionary new techniques for the analysis of linguistic sound systems, in effect founding the modern discipline of phonology.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Jakobson went on to extend similar principles and techniques to the study of other aspects of language such as syntax, morphology and semantics. He made numerous contributions to Slavic linguistics, most notably two studies of Russian case and an analysis of the categories of the Russian verb. Drawing on insights from C. S. Peirce's semiotics, as well as from communication theory and cybernetics, he proposed methods for the investigation of poetry, music, and the visual arts including cinema.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Through his decisive influence on Claude Lévi-Strauss and Roland Barthes, among others, Jakobson became a pivotal figure in the adaptation of structural analysis to disciplines beyond linguistics, including philosophy, anthropology and literary theory...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1982 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament — Contemporary (Born in 1982) (1982): The 44th annual NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
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• 1896 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1896
• September 28 (09-28) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on September 28
• 1982 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1982
• July 18 (07-18) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on July 18