Language and Composition HS 109

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Questions and Answers

What aspect of language allows humans to refer to times beyond the immediate present?

Semanticity

Total Feedback

Interchangeability

Displacement (correct)

Which design feature of language indicates that messages do not persist and are momentary?

Specialization

Vocal-Auditory Channel

Rapid Fading (correct)

Arbitrariness

What does the principle of arbitrariness in language imply?

The meaning of a word can be expressed differently in various contexts.

Symbols used have fixed meanings.

There is no natural connection between a linguistic form and its meaning. (correct)

There is a natural connection between a word and its meaning.

What feature of language allows speakers to exchange roles between sender and receiver?

Interchangeability Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of language emphasizes that communications are primarily for the sake of communicating?

Specialization Signup and view all the answers

The concept that symbols and sounds in language can combine to create different meanings relates to what design feature?

Discreteness Signup and view all the answers

What language feature involves the ability to hear all that one says?

Total Feedback Signup and view all the answers

Which feature describes that symbols used in language have specific meanings?

Semanticity Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of language allows for the discussion of imaginary entities such as angels and Santa Claus?

Displacement Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of language emphasizes the ability to create and understand new utterances?

Productivity Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Traditional Transmission' in language imply?

Languages are learned and passed down socially. Signup and view all the answers

What does the feature of 'Duality of Patterning' highlight about language?

Smallest symbols can combine to create meaningful units. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of language refers to the ability to express false statements or hypotheticals?

Prevarication Signup and view all the answers

Which feature of language assists in learning new languages more easily during childhood?

Learnability Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Reflexivity' allow humans to do with language?

Reflect on and discuss language itself. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a feature of human language?

Instinctual Communication Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Language Overview

Language is a unique and complex human ability that enables powerful communication.
Human languages consist of intricate systems utilized for diverse purposes.

Origin of Speech

Humans uniquely communicate using abstract symbols, differentiating them from other animals.
This ability shares similarities with animal communication and evolved from more primitive forms.

Hockett’s Design Features of Language

Vocal-Auditory Channel: Communication involves speaking and hearing, utilizing sound as a medium.
Broadcast Transmission and Directional Reception: Messages spread in all directions; receivers can discern the direction of the source.
Rapid Fading or Transitoriness: Messages are ephemeral and do not linger.
Interchangeability: Individuals can both send and receive messages, allowing for reciprocal communication.
Total Feedback: Communicators can hear and evaluate what they express.
Specialization: Language exists primarily for communication, independent of other functions.
Semanticity: Symbols (like phonemes and morphemes) hold specific meanings, defining their significance.
Arbitrariness: No intrinsic relationship exists between a word and its meaning; words are chosen arbitrarily (e.g., "loud" can be spoken softly).
Discreteness: Language utilizes distinct symbols to create meaning, combining smaller units (e.g., "bin" and "pin").
Displacement: Language allows reference to times and places beyond the immediate context, enabling discussions about non-present concepts (e.g., past events, hypothetical scenarios).
Productivity: New and original statements can be generated and comprehended.
Traditional Transmission: Language is acquired culturally, passed down generations, rather than inherited genetically.
Duality of Patterning: Smaller symbols lack meaning alone but form meaningful words through combination.

Hockett’s Additional Features

Prevarication: Capable of expressing falsehoods or hypotheticals, revealing the flexibility of language.
Learnability: New languages can be learned, especially more easily in childhood.
Reflexivity: Language enables self-referential discourse, allowing analysis and discussion of language itself.

Cultural Context

The Assamese Chinese community in India originated from migrant tea garden workers from China in 1838, illustrating the connection between language, culture, and migration.

Reflection Task

Compose reflections on animal communication based on personal experiences and observations, considering similarities and differences with human language.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of language in the Language and Composition course. This quiz delves into the definitions and origins of human speech, highlighting its complexity and power as a communication tool. Perfect for students of Linguistics and anyone interested in the intricacies of language.