This book is translated from a seminal work in the field of linguistic theory. As a foundational text of the Marxist view of language, it provides a crucial paradigm for sociolinguistic research.

Rooted in the Marxist perspective on language, the original work profoundly elaborates on the core proposition that language is subordinate to social phenomena. Its theoretical value is primarily embodied in the symbiotic dependence and dynamic mutual construction between language and society: Language originates from the needs of human collective labor, and its survival directly relies on social communities (e.g., the extinction of the Xianbei language following the dissolution of its ethnic group). Social structures deeply shape linguistic forms—expansion of group size promotes language dissemination, transformations in productive forces and institutions drive updates in vocabulary and grammar, and community interactions trigger linguistic infiltration and integration. Conversely, language exerts a reactive influence on social operations: from a tool for cooperating in primitive tribes to an information hub in modern civilization, it has always served as a core carrier for maintaining production organization and cultural inheritance.

This translation practice has deeply reflected the dual challenges of cross-cultural transformation. At the terminological level, we ensured academic precision by consulting terminology glossaries and repeatedly verifying philosophical contexts. At the cultural conversion level, historical linguistic materials (e.g., ethnic language cases) required balancing the accuracy of literal translation with reader accessibility. Particularly in handling the original work’s highly condensed theoretical expressions, we adopted a “step-by-step reconstruction” strategy: first deconstructing the logical chain sentence by sentence, then integrating them into academically appropriate sentences to avoid fragmented expression caused by mechanical literal translation.

Tian Ye translated Parts I and II (382 thousand words), while Chen Fang translated Part III (283 thousand words). Despite our diligent efforts, limitations in our expertise may have led to oversights. We sincerely welcome readers’ critiques and corrections.