Defining Features of Language
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following are considered defining features of language? (Select all that apply)

  • Displacement (correct)
  • Arbitrariness (correct)
  • Cultural Transmission (correct)
  • Cognitive Processing (correct)
  • Discreteness (correct)
  • Productivity (correct)
  • Openness (correct)

    • Which of the following is NOT a function of language according to the text?

  • Performative Function
  • Referential Function
  • Meta-linguistic Function
  • Phatic Function
  • Evaluative Function (correct)
  • Conative Function
  • Expressive Function

    • The evolutionary theory of language origin suggests that language developed as a result of a sudden, significant event, such as a divine intervention.

    False (B)

    What does the term 'onomatopoeia' refer to?

    <p>Words that imitate sounds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the theories about language origin with their descriptions:

    <p>Divine Source = Language was a gift from a higher power. Bow Wow Theory = Language developed from imitating natural sounds. Evolutionary Theory = Language developed gradually through adaptations and genetic changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the text suggest is the primary function of language according to the 'referential function'?

    <p>Conveying information about the world.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The 'conative function' of language is focused on expressing emotions and personal feelings.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a crucial aspect of language that allows speakers to reflect on language itself?

    <p>Metalinguistic Awareness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Arbitrariness in Language

    The connection between a word's sound and its meaning isn't inherent; it's assigned by convention.

    Discreteness

    Language is made up of separate units (phonemes, morphemes, words) that combine to create meaning.

    Productivity (Generativity)

    Humans can create and understand an endless number of sentences.

    Cultural Transmission

    Language is learned through social interaction and passed down through generations.

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    Duality of Patterning

    Language has small, meaningless units that combine to form larger, meaningful ones.

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    Displacement

    Language allows discussion of things not present or things in the past or future.

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    Expressive Function

    Using language to convey emotions and attitudes.

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    Referential Function

    Using language to share information about the world.

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    Conative Function

    Using language to influence or direct others' behavior.

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    Phatic Function

    Using language to maintain social interaction, not to convey information.

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    Metalinguistic Function

    Talking about language itself; discussing its rules.

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    Poetic Function

    Using language for creativity and artistic expression.

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    Cognitive Function

    Using language to organize and structure thought.

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    Interrogative function

    Asking questions to get information.

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    Performative function

    Language that causes an action rather than just describing one.

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    Evolutionary Theory of Language Origin

    Language developed gradually as a survival tool.

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    Bow-Wow Theory

    Language originated from mimicking natural sounds.

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    Divine Source Theory

    Language was a gift from a higher power.

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    Study Notes

    Defining Features of Language

    • Arbitrariness: The link between sounds and meaning is not inherent. There's no logical connection between a word's form and its meaning.
    • Discreteness: Language is made up of separate units (sounds, morphemes, words) that can be combined in various ways to make new meanings.
    • Productivity (Generativity): The ability to create and understand an endless number of new sentences and ideas. This is a key characteristic of human language that distinguishes it from other communication systems.
    • Cultural Transmission: Language is learned through interaction with others in a given cultural context. The language community passes it down.
    • Duality of Patterning: Language uses smaller meaningless units that combine to form larger, meaningful units. (Like combining sounds to form words, words to form sentences.)
    • Displacement: The ability to talk about things not immediately present—past, future, or hypothetical events.
    • Cognitive Processing: Language relies on various cognitive processes such as memory, attention, and problem solving.

    Language Functions

    • Expressive: Used to express feelings, emotions, and attitudes.
    • Referential: Used to convey information and describe things, events, or concepts in the world.
    • Conative: Used to elicit a response or action from the listener (e.g., commands, requests).
    • Phatic: Used to maintain social interaction, like greetings or small talk.
    • Metalinguistic: Used to talk about language itself (e.g., explaining grammar rules, clarifying meaning).
    • Poetic: Using language creatively and aesthetically.
    • Cognitive: Organising and structuring thoughts and ideas.
    • Interrogative: Used to ask questions.
    • Performative: Where the act of speaking itself creates an effect (e.g., making a promise, giving a command).

    Origins of Language

    • Divine Source: A higher power gifted language to humans.
    • Bow Wow Theory: Language started as imitation of sounds in the environment (like animal noises).
    • Evolutionary Theory: Language developed gradually through changes and adaptation in the brain. This theory suggests language emerged as a tool for living in social groups. This theory is more widely accepted among modern linguists.

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    Defining Features Of Language PDF

    Description

    Explore the key characteristics that define language, including arbitrariness, discreteness, and productivity. This quiz examines how these features differentiate human language from other forms of communication. Understand the cultural transmission and duality of patterning that enhance our ability to communicate complex ideas.

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