Introduction to English Linguistics - Basic Notions 01
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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'faculté de langage' refer to in the context of language?

  • The knowledge of grammatical rules in a specific language
  • The ability to write in multiple languages
  • The general, biological ability to articulate and understand (correct)
  • The individual use of language in conversation

    • Which aspect of language refers to the individual event of using a code for communication?

  • Faculté de langage
  • Parole (correct)
  • Grammar
  • Langue

    • What is the working definition of a natural language outlined in the content?

  • A set of grammatical rules unique to a specific culture
  • An arbitrary code that varies by geographic location
  • A system of vocal signs agreed upon for communication (correct)
  • A collection of sounds used for artistic expression

    • Which of the following is NOT considered a characteristic of languages based on the provided content?

    <p>Languages are designed to be universal across all cultures (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do social conventions play in the structure of languages?

    <p>They establish rules and patterns within a language. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes 'langue' as discussed in this content?

    <p>The specific set of rules of a language. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In discussing language, what does the term 'vocal signs' imply?

    <p>Sounds used to represent meanings (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the variability of languages indicate about human communication?

    <p>Languages evolve and differ in various contexts and groups. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following concepts is NOT a subsystem of language, based on the provided content?

    <p>Semantics (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the "pragmatics" subsystem, as described in the text?

    <p>Interpreting language in social contexts (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which subsystem of language is specifically concerned with the structure of phrases and sentences?

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

    What is the primary focus of "variational linguistics", as explained in the provided information?

    <p>Examining how language varies across social groups and geographical regions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Based on the text, what is "lexicology" primarily concerned with?

    <p>The vocabulary of a language (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the text suggest about the relationship between "morphology" and "lexicology"?

    <p>They are two distinct but related areas of language study (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the provided text, what is the meaning of the phrase "This lm has a lot of action"?

    <p>This film is very exciting (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of a symbol in semiotics?

    <p>Based on arbitrary convention (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following examples is an index sign?

    <p>A footprint (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by the 'dual pattern' in natural languages?

    <p>The combination of sounds to form meaningful signs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the concept of 'displacement' in language?

    <p>Ability to discuss past or future events (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does 'cultural transmission' in language refer to?

    <p>Language learned from one’s environment (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which linguistic feature allows breaks in communication through distinct units?

    <p>Discreteness (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Charles Sanders Peirce associated which type of sign with similarity?

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

    What is the nature of 'openness' in natural languages?

    <p>Allowing for creative sentence formation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does iconicity contribute to language understanding?

    <p>It provides an intuitive connection to meanings (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature of language is indicated by the term 'arbitrariness'?

    <p>Meaning of signs is determined by social agreement (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Language

    A unique human ability to articulate and understand.

    Langue

    The knowledge of a particular system of rules (a code) for communication.

    Parole

    The individual event of using a language code in communication.

    Ferdinand de Saussure

    A linguist who defined key concepts in language and communication.

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    Physical events in language

    Languages use sounds to convey meanings non-physically.

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    Biological basis of language

    Languages are rooted in the biological properties of humans.

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    Social conventions in language

    Languages follow rules and patterns established by society.

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    Function of language

    Languages serve important roles for individuals and societies.

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    Phonology

    The study of the level of sounds in language.

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    Morphology

    The study of the forms of words and their internal structure.

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    Lexicology

    The study of vocabulary and the meaning of words.

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    Semantics

    The study of meaning in language, including word meanings and phrases.

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    Syntax

    The study of the construction and arrangement of sentences in language.

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    Pragmatics

    The study of how language is used for social interactions.

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    Dialectology

    The study of regional variations in language.

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    Variational Linguistics

    The study of language variations influenced by historical and social factors.

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    Linguistic Sign

    Something that stands for something else, consisting of a signifier and a signified.

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    Signifier

    The form of a word or expression; the sound sequence we perceive.

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    Signified

    The concept or meaning that the signifier represents.

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    Icon

    A sign that resembles or imitates its referent based on similarity.

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    Index

    A sign based on a direct connection to its referent, established by cause and effect.

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    Symbol

    A sign with an arbitrary meaning; learned through social convention.

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    Arbitrariness

    The principle that there is no intrinsic connection between a sign and its meaning.

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    Duality of Patterning

    The principle that allows for a limited set of meaningless sounds to create an unlimited number of meaningful combinations.

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    Displacement

    The ability to communicate about things not present in time or space.

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    Cultural Transmission

    The process by which language is passed from one generation to another through social learning.

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    Study Notes

    Introduction to English Linguistics - Basic Notions

    • Language is unique to humans, enabling articulation and understanding.
    • Language encompasses knowledge of a system of rules (a code) used for communication.
    • A language in use (parole) is the individual event of applying this code to communicate.
    • Linguistics studies language's structure and properties.

    Language and Linguistics - Definition of Language

    • A language is a system of vocal signs agreed upon by a group for communication.
    • Language uses physical events (sounds) to convey meaning.
    • Language is shaped by biological factors and social conventions, and varies among individuals, groups, and regions.

    Ferdinand de Saussure

    • Language (langage) is defined as the general human ability to create and use language.
    • Langue is the knowledge of a particular language's rules, a system of rules forming a language.
    • Parole is a particular language in use, the individual act of communication.

    Linguistic Sign

    • Linguistic signs, like others, convey a concept or meaning.
    • The signifiant is the sound or symbol.
    • The signifié is the thought or concept associated with it.
    • Examples include the word "mouse" and the concept or image of a mouse.

    Types of Signs

    • Icons: These convey meaning through visual resemblance; an image of a cloud to convey rain.
    • Indexes: These signify meaning through cause and effect; smoke implies fire.
    • Symbols: Meaning is arbitrary and learned; a national flag, or a traffic stop sign, convey meaning because of conventional agreement.

    Linguistic Systems - Subsystems

    • Phonology: the study of sounds in language.
    • Morphology: the study of word forms.
    • Lexicology: the study of words, vocabulary.
    • Semantics: the study of meaning.
    • Syntax: the study of sentence construction.
    • Text Linguistics: the order of sentences and related language
    • Pragmatics: language use for social interaction.
    • Variational Linguistics: language variations based on history, social groups, regions, or style (e.g. dialects)

    Design Features of Natural Language

    • Arbitrariness: No inherent connection between sound and meaning.
    • Discreteness: Language is made up of distinct units.
    • Vocal - auditory channel: Language is made up of vocal sounds.
    • Displacement: Language allows communication about events not in the present.
    • Cultural Transmission: Language is learned from other humans, rather than inherited genetically.
    • Openness: Language adapts and changes over time, creating new expressions and meanings.
    • Duality of patterning: Language's units combine in meaningful ways to create infinite possibilities.

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    Related Documents

    Introduction to English Linguistics - Schleburg PDF

    Description

    Explore the foundational concepts of English linguistics, including language as a unique human attribute and the system of rules that governs communication. Understand the differences between langue and parole as defined by Ferdinand de Saussure. This quiz will test your knowledge on the definitions and importance of language in society.

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