Frieda Fligelman Papers, 1909-1981

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Fligelman, Frieda, 1890-1978
Title
Frieda Fligelman Papers
Dates
1909-1981 (inclusive)
Quantity
1.3 linear feet
Collection Number
Mss 184 (collection)
Summary
Frieda Fligelman was a linguist, sociologist, poet and advocate for women's issues who lived in Montana. The collection includes correspondence, writings, photographs, pamphlets, biographical information, and research dated 1909 to 1981.
Repository
University of Montana, Mansfield Library, Archives and Special Collections
Archives and Special Collections
Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library
University of Montana
32 Campus Dr. #9936
59812-9936
Missoula, MT
Telephone: 406-243-2053
library.archives@umontana.edu
Access Restrictions

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.

Languages
English
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

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 The Richness of African Negro Languages, which illustrated the principles of linguistic sociology.

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.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

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.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Restrictions on Use

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.

Preferred Citation

[Name of document or photograph number], Frieda Fligelman Papers, Archives and Special Collections, Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library, The University of Montana--Missoula.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

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

Custodial History

This collection remained in the possession of Frieda Fligelman and her estate until donation to Archives and Special Collections.

Acquisition Information

Gift of the Frieda Fligelman Estate through Professor Jon Driessen, 1978 and 2014.

Future Additions

There are no expected additions to this collection.

Processing Note

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.

Separated Materials

The photographs in Series IV were transferred to the archives general photograph collection in 1998.

Related Materials

There are oral history interviews with Fligelman in the Mansfield Library's Montana Women's Oral History Collection, OH 49.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Series I:  Correspondence , 1927-1975Return to Top

4 folders

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.
Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/1
General Correspondence
1927-1950
1/2
General Correspondence
1951-1975
1/3
General Correspondence
undated
1/4
General Correspondence, Personal and Clippings
undated

Series II:  Writings , 1932-1974 Return to Top

8 folders

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 1984.The series also has personal notes and clippings.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/5
Writings
1932-1933
1/6
Writings
1934
1/7
Writings
1958
1/8
Writings
1962
1/9
Writings
1967-1969
1/10
Writings
1974
1/11
Writings
undated

Series III:  Research and Education, 1909-1974Return to Top

17 folders

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.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
2/1
Research for 1801
undated
2/2
Research
1927
2/3
Research
1931, 1936, 1938
2/4
Research
1939
2/5
Research
1940
2/6
Research
1948
2/7
Research
1950-1954
2/8
Research
1955-1956
2/9
Research
1961
2/10
Research
1971
2/11
Research
1972
2/12
Research
1974
2/13
Research
1974
2/14
Research
undated
3/1
Pamphlets
1909-1926
3/2
Notes
undated

Series IV:  Photographs , undatedReturn to Top

3 pieces

This series consists of three photographs: one of Fligelman and two of unknown women. All are undated.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
3/5
Frieda Fligelman
photo number 98-2431
undated
3/6
Unknown woman facing camera
photo number 98-2432
undated
3/7
Unknown woman facing light
photo number 98-2431
undated

Series V:  Biographical, 1977-1981Return to Top

1 folder and 1 audio cassette

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.
Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
3/3
Frieda Fligelman: 1890-1978, Audio Cassette
1977-1978
3/4
Frieda Fligelman: Commemorative notes to a life completed
1981

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Sociolinguistics
  • World War, 1939-1945--Jews
  • World War, 1939-1945--Propaganda
  • World War, 1939-1945--Refugees

Form or Genre Terms

  • Photographs

Occupations

  • Linguists--Montana--Helena
  • Women sociologists--Montana--Helena