Linguistics

Fields of Linguistics and the Difference between Language Acquisition and Language Learning

• Applied Linguistics encompasses all applications of linguistic theory and language learning and education.
• Computational Linguistics uses computer science to study computational systems that process or analyze written or spoken natural language.
• Neurolinguistics studies the comprehension, production, and abstract knowledge of language and human brain mechanisms.
• Corpus Linguistics studies the linguistic properties of an extended passage, text, or corpus of texts.
• Forensic Linguistics deals with the interface between language, the law, and crime.
• Psycholinguistics studies the psychological and neurological factors that enable humans to acquire, use, and comprehend language.
• Sociolinguistics studies the effect of society on the way language is used.
• Anthropological Linguistics studies human communication within a sociocultural context and the origin and evolution of language.
• Pragmatics studies the ways in which a situation influences the meaning and understanding of spoken language or non-verbal communication.
• Historical Linguistics studies linguistic change over time in a particular language (family).
• Language acquisition is an unconscious process that occurs during childhood through natural communication with a caregiver.
• Language learning is a deductive process that occurs through direct instruction in the rules of language, typically in a classroom setting.

Fields of Linguistics and the Difference between Language Acquisition and Language Learning

• Applied Linguistics encompasses all applications of linguistic theory and language learning and education.
• Computational Linguistics uses computer science to study computational systems that process or analyze written or spoken natural language.
• Neurolinguistics studies the comprehension, production, and abstract knowledge of language and human brain mechanisms.
• Corpus Linguistics studies the linguistic properties of an extended passage, text, or corpus of texts.
• Forensic Linguistics deals with the interface between language, the law, and crime.
• Psycholinguistics studies the psychological and neurological factors that enable humans to acquire, use, and comprehend language.
• Sociolinguistics studies the effect of society on the way language is used.
• Anthropological Linguistics studies human communication within a sociocultural context and the origin and evolution of language.
• Pragmatics studies the ways in which a situation influences the meaning and understanding of spoken language or non-verbal communication.
• Historical Linguistics studies linguistic change over time in a particular language (family).
• Language acquisition is an unconscious process that occurs during childhood through natural communication with a caregiver.
• Language learning is a deductive process that occurs through direct instruction in the rules of language, typically in a classroom setting.

Acquisition vs Language Learning: Understanding the Differences

• Children acquire language subconsciously through natural communication with their caregiver(s).
• They repeat what is said to them and develop a feel for correct language use without being aware of grammatical rules.
• Infants acquire their first language(s) naturally, while second language acquisition may occur later and include reading and writing.
• Language learning involves direct instruction in the rules of language and a deductive approach to intonations, phonology, morphology, and syntax.
• Reading and writing are not intuitive and require learning rules for each language.
• Language acquisition and language learning are processed differently in the brain, with the Broca's area actively involved in acquisition and the Wernicke's area involved in learning.
• Language imitation theory suggests that children acquire language by copying utterances, but innateness theory proposes that children are born with an innate capacity for language development.
• The Language Acquisition Device (L.A.D.) is an innate device that allows infants to make sense of linguistic input and form hypotheses about language use.
• Cognitive theory further develops the idea of innateness and explains language use with reference to underlying mental processes.
• The role of input in first language acquisition is exemplified by "motherese," the simplified, affective language used by mothers when communicating with infants.
• Motherese facilitates language acquisition by providing clear, attention-catching input.
• Schools also play an important role in language input, as children encounter higher levels of language formality in academic settings.

Test your knowledge on the fascinating world of linguistics and learn about the different fields that make up this discipline. From applied linguistics to computational linguistics, neurolinguistics to forensic linguistics, this quiz covers it all. You will also learn about the difference between language acquisition and language learning, and how they shape our understanding of language. Sharpen your linguistic skills and challenge yourself with this quiz!