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Questions and Answers
Which of the following features of language refers to the ability to communicate about things that are not present in the immediate environment?
Which of the following features of language refers to the ability to communicate about things that are not present in the immediate environment?
What is the term for the process by which language is passed down from one generation to the next?
What is the term for the process by which language is passed down from one generation to the next?
Which feature of language allows for complex messages to be built up from smaller parts?
Which feature of language allows for complex messages to be built up from smaller parts?
What is the term for the property of language that refers to the ability of individuals to both send and receive messages?
What is the term for the property of language that refers to the ability of individuals to both send and receive messages?
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Which of the following best describes the two levels of organization in language?
Which of the following best describes the two levels of organization in language?
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Which of the following statements accurately describes language as defined by Edward Sapir?
Which of the following statements accurately describes language as defined by Edward Sapir?
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What key feature of language is suggested by the concept of arbitrariness?
What key feature of language is suggested by the concept of arbitrariness?
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According to Noam Chomsky, a language can be defined as:
According to Noam Chomsky, a language can be defined as:
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Which feature of language is defined as the ability to create and understand new messages?
Which feature of language is defined as the ability to create and understand new messages?
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What does the concept of cultural transmission imply about language?
What does the concept of cultural transmission imply about language?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic feature of language as described in the content?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic feature of language as described in the content?
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Which theorists are cited in the context of defining language?
Which theorists are cited in the context of defining language?
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What role do symbols play in language according to the content?
What role do symbols play in language according to the content?
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Study Notes
Language as a Social and Individual Phenomenon
- Language is both a social and individual phenomenon.
- Language is culturally acquired.
- All languages change over time and across different geographic areas.
Edward Sapir (1921)
- Language is a purely human and non-instinctive method of communication.
- Humans use language to convey ideas, emotions, and desires.
- Language uses voluntarily produced symbols.
Noam Chomsky (1957)
- A language is a set of sentences.
- Each sentence has a finite length.
- Sentences are constructed from a finite set of elements.
Bernard Bloch and George L. Trager (1962)
- Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols.
- Human beings use language to interact and communicate within a social group and culture.
Definition of Language
- Language is a system of arbitrary symbols.
- These symbols enable people within a culture to communicate effectively.
- Language is used for communication or interaction.
Features of Language: Arbitrariness
- Linguistic forms and meaning are often unrelated.
- No inherent connection between words and their meaning.
Features of Language: Symbolic
- Languages employ symbols.
- Symbols are arbitrarily chosen within a culture.
- Symbols are used and accepted within a specific conventional form.
- Understanding depends on interpreting symbols correctly.
Features of Language: Examples
- Visual and symbolic examples are given to illustrate how symbols may convey meaning across space and cultures: stop sign, Christian cross, restroom signs, swastika.
Features of Language: Productivity (Openness)
- Capability to create and understand an unlimited number of novel messages.
- Ability to express novel ideas and messages.
Features of Language: Cultural Transmission
- Language is learned/passed down from one generation to the next.
- Although humans learn language, there is an innate capacity for learning a language.
Features of Language: Discreteness
- Complex messages are made up of smaller parts.
- Examples of creating complex messages from smaller components: "At cat caterpillar."
Features of Language: Displacement
- Communicating about things not in the immediate space or time.
- Describing past, future occasions, places, or objects.
Features of Language: Duality
- Language operates on multiple levels.
- Double articulation: meaning through sounds and the combination of sounds.
- A mode of communication (vocal, visual, etc.)
- Semanticity (signals have meaning).
Features of Language: Pragmatic Function
- Function of communication systems.
- Serves a useful purpose (e.g., helping species survive or influencing others' behaviors)
Features of Language: Interchangeability
- Ability for individuals to send and receive messages.
- Two-way communication.
Features of Language: Human
- Specific features related to humans.
Pidgins and Creoles
- Further study material about Pidgins and Creoles is recommended.
Variation in Language
- Further study about dialects and varieties of language.
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Description
Explore the multifaceted nature of language as both a social construct and an individual tool for communication. This quiz delves into key theories and definitions from prominent linguists like Edward Sapir, Noam Chomsky, Bernard Bloch, and George L. Trager. Test your understanding of the fundamental features and functions of language.
