5 Domains of Language Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is phonology concerned with?

The meaning of words

The structure of sentences

The sounds that comprise language (correct)

The rules of word order

What is a phoneme?

The smallest bits of sound that we recognize as meaningful elements of language.

Which option is an example of morphology?

Understanding the sounds of a language

Analyzing the word 'unbreakable' (correct)

Studying word order in sentences

Breaking down the meaning of words

What is a morpheme?

A meaningful unit of language that cannot be further divided. Signup and view all the answers

What does syntax govern?

The order and usage of words Signup and view all the answers

What is 'universal grammar'?

The brain is preset to learn grammar. Signup and view all the answers

What is semantics focused on?

The meaning we give to words Signup and view all the answers

Define 'arbitrariness' in semantics.

What we use to describe a thing is largely arbitrary. Signup and view all the answers

What does pragmatics study?

How we use language to achieve goals Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of pragmatics in use.

Saying 'It's cold in here' implies you want the window closed. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Phonology

Focuses on the sounds within a language.
Phonemes are the smallest sound units recognized meaningfully.
Example contrasts: "bass" (the fish) vs. "bass" (low-frequency sound), and differentiating between "l" and "r" sounds.

Morphology

Studies how sounds combine to create words.
Morphemes are meaningful language units that cannot be divided further.
Example: In "unbreakable," "un-" (bound morpheme), "break" (free morpheme), and "-able" (bound morpheme).

Syntax

Encompasses the rules for word order and grammatical structure.
Grammar is generative; finite elements can produce infinite expressions.
Concept of Universal Grammar suggests the brain is inherently prepared to learn grammar (Chomsky).
The Poverty of the Stimulus theory explains how some grammar rules are inferred from limited exposure.

Semantics

Examines the meanings assigned to words.
Highlights arbitrariness, where labels for objects are largely conventional (e.g. "table").
Introduces sound symbolism, where the sound of a word can reflect its meaning (e.g. "BANG," "BOOM").
Discusses referential indeterminacy, emphasizing potential for misunderstanding.

Pragmatics

Analyzes language use in achieving communicative goals.
Involves context-driven implications; for instance, saying "it's cold in here" may request action like closing a window.

Description

Explore the key concepts of the five domains of language with these engaging flashcards. From phonology to morphology, each card provides definitions and examples for better understanding. Perfect for students and language enthusiasts alike.