Introduction to Linguistics

Introduction to Linguistics

• Linguistics is the scientific study of language
• It's a self-standing discipline with many sub-branches called "functions"
• These functions are divided into Micro and Macro functions

Micro Functions

• Examines the fine details and components of language
• Phonetics and Phonology: Study of speech sounds, their production, and organization within a language
• Morphology: Analysis of word structure and formation, including morphemes (smallest units of meaning)
• Syntax: Study of sentence structure, grammar, and rules governing word arrangement
• Semantics: Study of meaning in language (words, phrases, and how meaning is created in sentences)

Macro Functions

• Considers language within the larger societal and cultural context
• Sociolinguistics: Examines the relationship between language and society, including how language varies across social groups, regions, and contexts
• Psycholinguistics: Studies how language is processed, acquired, and used in the human mind
• Historical Linguistics: Studies language change over time, including the evolution and relationships between languages
• Pragmatics: Examines the role of context in language use and interpretation, including implied meaning beyond literal words

Linguistics Defined

• Noam Chomsky: Linguistics is a branch of cognitive psychology focusing on language acquisition, comprehension, and use
• Ferdinand de Saussure: Linguistics studies the life, structures, and functions of language as a system of signs to understand the human mind and behavior.
• Edward Sapir: Linguistics studies language forms and uses within human societies
• Leonard Bloomfield: Linguistics is a scientific study of language, its similarities, differences, and evolutionary changes
• William Labov: Linguistics studies language as a social phenomenon, examining how language is structured, used, and acquired in social contexts.