Podcast
Questions and Answers
How does the linguistic study of 'phonetics' differ from 'phonology'?
How does the linguistic study of 'phonetics' differ from 'phonology'?
Phonetics studies the physical properties of speech sounds in isolation, while phonology studies how sounds function within a language system.
In the context of linguistics, how might pragmatics explain why 'Can you pass the salt?' is usually interpreted as a request rather than a question about one's ability?
In the context of linguistics, how might pragmatics explain why 'Can you pass the salt?' is usually interpreted as a request rather than a question about one's ability?
Pragmatics considers the context and intent of the speaker, so this assesses the underlying meaning (request) rather than the literal meaning (ability).
Briefly explain how morphology, as a subfield of linguistics, informs our understanding of word formation.
Briefly explain how morphology, as a subfield of linguistics, informs our understanding of word formation.
Morphology examines the structure of words, including morphemes, and how they combine to create new words or modify existing ones.
How does syntax contribute to our understanding of sentence construction in linguistics?
How does syntax contribute to our understanding of sentence construction in linguistics?
Describe how semantics addresses the different facets of meaning in linguistics.
Describe how semantics addresses the different facets of meaning in linguistics.
Considering the broad definitions of language provided, what is one key element that appears in multiple definitions across the experts?
Considering the broad definitions of language provided, what is one key element that appears in multiple definitions across the experts?
Differentiate between the concept of language as 'communication' and language as a 'system of symbols'.
Differentiate between the concept of language as 'communication' and language as a 'system of symbols'.
In what way does Crystal's (1989) definition emphasize the social aspect of language that might be less prominent in other definitions?
In what way does Crystal's (1989) definition emphasize the social aspect of language that might be less prominent in other definitions?
If someone argues that animal communication systems should also be considered languages, how might Sapir's (1921) definition be used as a counter-argument?
If someone argues that animal communication systems should also be considered languages, how might Sapir's (1921) definition be used as a counter-argument?
What is the relationship between linguistics and the 'study of language'?
What is the relationship between linguistics and the 'study of language'?
According to the material, what mode is used to communicate thoughts, ideas, and feelings?
According to the material, what mode is used to communicate thoughts, ideas, and feelings?
Communication of thoughts and feelings through a system of arbitrary signals requires what?
Communication of thoughts and feelings through a system of arbitrary signals requires what?
How does Sapir define the process of sharing information, emotions and desires?
How does Sapir define the process of sharing information, emotions and desires?
What does Crystal state language is used for systematically and by whom?
What does Crystal state language is used for systematically and by whom?
How does Robbins define language as a form?
How does Robbins define language as a form?
According to the notes, what are the subsystems of language a linguist studies?
According to the notes, what are the subsystems of language a linguist studies?
Define phonetics in one sentence.
Define phonetics in one sentence.
What is the focus of the study of phonology?
What is the focus of the study of phonology?
Explain what morphology studies.
Explain what morphology studies.
Describe the focus of Pragmatics.
Describe the focus of Pragmatics.
Flashcards
What is Linguistics?
What is Linguistics?
The scientific or systematic study of language.
What is Language?
What is Language?
Communication of thoughts, feelings through arbitrary signals like voice sounds, gestures, or written symbols.
Sapir's definition of language
Sapir's definition of language
A purely human and non-instinctive method of communicating ideas, emotions, and desires by means of a system of voluntarily produced symbols.
Crystal's definition of language
Crystal's definition of language
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Robbins' definition of language
Robbins' definition of language
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Subsystems of language?
Subsystems of language?
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What is Phonetics?
What is Phonetics?
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What is Phonology?
What is Phonology?
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What is Morphology?
What is Morphology?
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What is Syntax?
What is Syntax?
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What is Semantics?
What is Semantics?
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What is Pragmatics?
What is Pragmatics?
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Study Notes
- Linguistics is the scientific or systematic study of language.
- Language is the communication of thoughts and feelings through a system of arbitrary signals, such as voice sounds, gestures, or written symbols.
- Sapir (1921) described language as a purely human and non-instinctive method of communicating ideas, emotions, and desires by means of a system of voluntarily produced symbols.
- David Crystal (1989) summarized language as human vocal noise or its graphic representation, used systematically and conventionally by a community for communication.
- Robbins (1990) defined language as a form of communication by means of a system of symbols principally transmitted by vocal sounds.
Subsystems of language:
- Phonetics
- Phonology
- Morphology
- Syntax
- Semantics
- Pragmatics
Phonetics
- The scientific study of speech sounds in isolation.
- Phonetics studies how speech sounds are articulated, transmitted, and received.
Phonology
- The study of sound patterns, focusing on how speech sounds function in a language.
- Phonology studies the ways speech sounds are organized in a language.
Morphology
- The study of the formation of words
- Morphology is a branch of linguistics that breaks words into morphemes.
- Morphology can be considered the grammar of words, similar to how syntax is the grammar of sentences.
Syntax
- Syntax deals with the combination of words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.
- Syntax is the grammar of sentence construction.
Semantics
- Semantics is the branch of linguistics concerned with the study of meaning in all its formal aspects.
- Words have several types of meaning, including lexical relations like antonyms and synonyms.
Pragmatics
- Pragmatics is the study of language in use.
- Pragmatics deals with how speakers use language in ways that cannot be predicted from linguistic knowledge alone.
- Pragmatics also focuses on how hearers arrive at the intended meaning of speakers.
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