Frieda Fligelman was a linguist, sociologist, poet and a well-known advocate for women's issues. She pioneered the study of "linguistic sociology," an evaluation of the meaning and value of words used in a sociological context. She believed language should be studied as an environment and national group interest rather than simply as meaning and form. Fligelman authored many articles and papers outlining the depth and importance of language. Her work included a book titled
Fligelman faced much frustration over the general disinterest in her work. She fought to have her writings published and her theories accepted by the sociologists and linguists of her day. Fligelman was politically active and participated in establishing a program providing relief for victims of anti-Semitic persecution during Word War II. She showed concern over the racial issues of her time and society's attempt to limit immigration. Fligelman's studies in the value of language emphasized the vitality of a multi-ethnic culture and the importance of her sociological theories in understanding that culture.
The collection includes correspondence, writings, and research dated 1909 to 1975. Also included are postcards, photographs and pamphlets of the same era. There are also biographical materials for Frieda Fligelman dating 1977 to 1981. The collection provides an illustration of pro and anti-war propaganda and the lives of Jewish refugees during World War II. Personal handwritten notations and opinions are also part of the collection and appear on the back of much of the correspondence.
The collection is divided into five series:
Series I: Correspondence, 4 folders, 1927-1975
Series II: Writings, 8 folders, 1932-1974
Series III: Research and Education, 17 folders, 1909-1974
Series IV: Photographs, 3 pieces, undated
Series V: Biographical, 1 folder and 1 Audio Cassette, 1977-1981
Researchers must use collection in accordance with the policies of Archives and Special Collections, the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, and The University of Montana--Missoula.
Researchers are responsible for using in accordance with 17 U.S.C. and any other applicable statutes. Copyright not transferred to The University of Montana.
[Name of document or photograph number], Frieda Fligelman Papers, Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana--Missoula.
This collection remained in the possession of Frieda Fligelman and her estate until donation to Archives and Special Collections.
Gift of the Frieda Fligelman Estate through Professor Jon Driessen, 1978 and 2014.
There are no expected additions to this collection.
The actions of the original processors are unknown. The collection was arranged chronologically with photos interspersed within the correspondence and writings. The collection was reprocessed and re-described in 1998, maintaining the original arrangement except photographs were transferred to the general photograph collection and designated as a separate series.
The photographs in Series IV were transferred to the archives general photograph collection in 1998.
There are oral history interviews with Fligelman in the Mansfield Library's Montana Women's Oral History Collection, OH 49.
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the online catalog. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons, or places should search the catalog using these headings.
This series consists of various correspondence including letters from World War II Jewish refugees, letters of application and introduction, as well as documents referring to various peace organizations and upcoming presentations of professional papers. Some letters are written in French and German.
The series is arranged chronologically.
This series includes writings dealing with Frieda Fligelman's theory of linguistic sociology. It provides an outline of the theory. Also included to illustrate how the theory works is an analysis of George Orwell's
The series consists primarily of the writings of varied authors on sociology and linguistics. There are also materials from Fligelman's time at Columbia University and her notes. This part of the collection also includes several pamphlets discussing the involvement of the United States in World War II. Many of these pamphlets also address other political issues of the time.
This series consists of three photographs: one of Fligelman and two of unknown women. All are undated.
photo number 98-2431
photo number 98-2432
photo number 98-2431
This series includes materials documenting Frieda Fligelman's life including an audiocassette of poetry by and about her, as well as an article from Montana Prospector Magazine.
The series is arranged chronologically.