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Questions and Answers

What is the English word Language derived from?

The Latin term Lingua

What does the Latin term Lingua mean?

Tongue

The word Language is only a metaphor for communication in English.

False

What does Edward Sapir describe language as?

<p><code>Language is a purely human and non-instinctive method of communicating ideas, emotions and desires by means of voluntary produced symbols</code></p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of language according to Bloch and Trager?

<p><code>A language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols by means of which a social group co-operates</code></p> Signup and view all the answers

According to C. Hall, what is language?

<p><code>Language is the institution whereby humans communicate and interact with each other, by means of habitually used-oral-auditory or arbitrary symbols</code></p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Noam Chomsky define language?

<p><code>From now on, I'll consider language to be a set of sentences each finite in length and constructed out of the finite set of elements</code></p> Signup and view all the answers

Language is only used by humans, and no other animal on Earth.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a language work?

<p>Language works on a system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The use of writing predates the use of speech in human history.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

The meaning of a symbol in a language is always related to the symbol.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

A language is a natural phenomenon and not subject to cultural influence.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Language is primarily developed in the brain.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Language is a fixed system that is unable to adapt.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Language allows us to reflect on language itself.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT one of the functions of language?

<p>Artistic function</p> Signup and view all the answers

“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” is an example of conative function of language.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Saying “hello” or “how are you?” is an example of a conative function of language.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Language can only convey information.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which one is NOT an example of a language origin theory?

<p>The symbolic theory</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Bow-Wow Theory is the most accepted theory of language origin nowadays.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Language is thought to have evolved gradually over time.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

The evolutionary theory says that language is unrelated to brain evolution.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the evolutionary theory suggest?

<p>That language developed gradually over time, driven by the need for advanced communication.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Linguistics Lesson 04: What Is Language?

  • The English word "language" comes from the Latin term "lingua," meaning "tongue."
  • This reflects the historical importance of spoken language.
  • The term "language" is used metaphorically to describe how humans communicate.
  • Language is a purely human, non-instinctive system used to communicate ideas, emotions, and desires using voluntary symbols. — Edward Sapir
  • Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols allowing social groups to collaborate.— Bloch and Trager (1942)
  • Language is the institution for human communication and interaction using oral-auditory or arbitrary symbols.— C. Hall (1968)
  • Language is a set of sentences, each finite in length, formed from a finite set of elements.— Noam Chomsky (1957)

Drawing from the Definitions

  • Language is uniquely human, distinct from other life forms' communication systems.
  • Language is a structured system; elements follow rules, and combinations aren't arbitrary.
  • Primarily vocal; languages depend on sound, with writing systems developed later.
  • Language is symbolic; words are linked with objects, actions, and ideas based on accepted conventions.

Defining Features of Language

  • Arbitrariness: The link between sounds (or signs) and meanings isn't inherent; the word "dog" doesn't inherently resemble a dog. Pictographs and onomatopoeia are exceptions, not the norm.
  • Discreteness: Language consists of separate units (phonemes, morphemes, words) which can combine to create new meanings. This allows for a vast number of possible expressions.
  • Productivity (Generativity): Humans can create and grasp an endless array of new sentences. This creative capacity is key for expressing novel ideas and adapting to changing situations.
  • Cultural Transmission: Languages are learned and passed down within societies. Children learn language from their environment, and languages continually change over time.
  • Duality of Patterning: Language's structure is hierarchical, combining smaller, meaningless units (sounds) into larger, meaningful units (words, sentences). This allows for intricate expressions.
  • Displacement: Language allows communication of ideas not present in the current setting. This includes past, future, and hypothetical/abstract concepts.

Language Functions

  • Language performs various actions to enable communication and expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
  • These functions are categorized broadly.
  • Expressive Function: Language conveys emotions, feelings, attitudes (e.g., joy, sadness, anger) through words, intonation, and other linguistic details.
  • Referential Function: Language describes objects, events, concepts, and relationships in the world, enabling knowledge sharing.
  • Conative Function: Language aims to influence or direct others' behavior. This involves commands, requests, suggestions, and related actions/utterances.
  • Phatic Function: Language focuses on maintaining social interaction; establishing/sustaining relationships rather than conveying information. Examples include greetings, casual conversation, and politeness expressions.
  • Metalinguistic Function: Language describes itself; this function clarifies meanings and discusses language concepts and rules.
  • Poetic Function: Language is used to convey aesthetic and creative aspects of expression, including literary and artistic uses of language.
  • Cognitive Function: Language organizes and structures thought. It lets individuals categorize, analyze, and reason, contributing to development.
  • Interrogative Function: Language enables questions to seek information, clarification, or confirmation.
  • Performative Function: Language creates actions; certain utterances have actions inherent to the utterance, such as marriage vows.

The Origin of Language

  • The origin of language is a complex topic, and no single theory is universally accepted.
  • Divine Source: Language origins are attributed to a higher power.
  • Bow-Wow Theory: Language developed from imitating natural sounds.
  • Evolutionary Theory: Gradual language development linked to human interaction, cognitive function, and adapting to challenges of living together in groups.

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