Concept and Nature of Language

Concept of Language

• Language originates from the Latin word "lingua," meaning "tongue"
• Language encompasses the cognitive ability to use complex communication systems
• Definitions vary due to perspectives, but generally involve conventional symbols (spoken, written, signed) used by social groups to express themselves.
• Language functions include communication, expressing identity, play, creative expression, and emotional release.

Nature of Language

• Language consists of words, idioms, and syntax
• Language is a crucial part of human behavior, used for thinking, feeling, judging, and sharing experiences
• Language distinguishes human speech from animal communication, which lacks the complexity and conventionality of human language.
• Language expression is biological and evolutionarily shaped, primarily used for communication between human beings using speech and hearing.

Living Languages

• Languages constantly evolve to adapt to the needs and aspirations of their speakers.
• Languages change and adapt to the requirements of the groups that use them

Language & Society

• Language is essential for human behavior, with a critical role in shaping human experience.
• Language is intrinsically linked to culture and changes with societal growth.
• Language usage aligns with social conventions in various contexts within a culture or community

Language Operations

• Language functions effectively only within a social context
• Successful language use requires a communicator and an audience, each with expectations about how language operates.
• The use of language is a conventional agreement between speaker and listener

Language Sounds & Signals

• Human speech sounds are different from animal "signals"
• Language involves an established relationship between sounds and their meanings.
• Linguistics studies the association between sounds and their corresponding meanings in language.

Function of Language

• Language performs multiple complex functions.
• Language facilitates various individual and social aspects

Expressive Function

• Language is central to social interaction and socialization.

• Language is a critical force for integration within groups

• Language records cultural experiences and is integral to human expression.

• Language has five functions (informational, expressive, directive, aesthetic, phatic)

• These functions can overlap and appear interwoven in different situations.

Language Across the Curriculum (LAC)

• Aims to apply language learning to various academic subjects.
• Infuses language learning into general school curriculum, taking into consideration language proficiency and cultural background of learners.
• Content subjects teach skills related to language, bridging content and language education.

Need for Language Across Curriculum (LAC)

• Language learning is not sole responsibility of language classes.
• Promotes cognitive skills while learning content and language.
• Enhances skill development and encourages integration of knowledge between languages and contents.

Principles of LAC

• Content based learning (CBI), language as a skill, skill acquisition, and functional language learning

Goals of LAC

• Promotes language development in all students, improves learning, and develops thinking skills

Benefits of LAC

• Improves communication skills and broadens exposure to various subjects.
• Helps expand students' understanding of different issues and allows interaction.

Difficulties of LAC

• Teachers may resist integrating language into the curriculum.
• Lack of dedicated training or support for teachers.
• Time constraints can interfere with incorporating language integration activities.

Role of the Teacher in LAC

• Teachers need adaptable and diversified teaching methods for various proficiency and cultural backgrounds within a classroom.

Multilingualism in Classrooms

• Multilingual environments offer a wealth of resources
• Language diversity is a key component in multilingual classrooms
• Language diversity can enrich learning experiences by encouraging broader perspectives and communication

Application & Challenges of LAC

• Using multilingualism as a resource in the classroom by maintaining and using a variety of language learning/teaching activities
• Challenges include the need for differentiated instruction and respecting diverse cultures and backgrounds.

This quiz explores the origins, functions, and characteristics of language. It discusses how language serves as a fundamental aspect of human behavior and communication. Delve into the complexities of living languages and their evolution over time.