J. G. Hamann and the origins of the language philosophy in Germany
https://doi.org/10.51955/2312-1327-2026-2-111
Abstract
The article examines Johann Georg Hamann’s personality, philosophical ideas, and linguistic concept in the context of the first complete Russian translation of his major work Kreuzzüge des Philologen (“Crusades of the Philologist”, 1762). The study discusses Hamann’s biography, intellectual development, and relations with leading representatives of the German Enlightenment, particularly with Immanuel Kant and Johann Gottfried Herder. Special attention is paid to Hamann’s critique of Enlightenment rationalism, his understanding of language as a historical and spiritual phenomenon, and the role of biblical symbolism and intertextuality in his writings. The paper analyses the distinctive features of Hamann’s “macaronic” style, characterised by multilingual quotations, complex allusions, and philosophical irony. It also stresses the influence of Hamann’s ideas on the Sturm und Drang movement, German Romanticism, and the later development of hermeneutics and philosophy of language in genral. Furthermore, the article outlines the history of Russian scholarship and translations devoted to Hamann’s legacy. Particular emphasis is placed on the difficulties involved in translating Crusades of the Philologist, which required extensive philological, philosophical, and theological interpretation. The article concludes that Hamann’s intellectual heritage remains highly significant for contemporary humanities and deserves further scholarly reception in Russian academic discourse.
About the Authors
Oleg A. Radchenko
Graybridge Malkam Educational Corporation, 1525 Carling Avenue, Suite 610, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Z 8R9
Canada
Canada
Dr. Sci. (Philology), Senior Professor, Language Instructor
Rashid S. Alikaev
Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after H. M. Berbekov, 173 Chernyshevsky Street, Nalchik, 360004, Kabardino-Balkarian Republic
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Dr. Sci. (Philology), Senior Professor, Head of the German and Romance Languages Department
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Review
For citations:
Radchenko O.A., Alikaev R.S. J. G. Hamann and the origins of the language philosophy in Germany. Crede Experto: transport, society, education, language. 2026;13(2):111-155. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.51955/2312-1327-2026-2-111
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