Language, Linguistics: Phonetics, Morphology, Syntax

Language Definition

• Language is the ability to comprehend and produce spoken and written words.
• Linguistics is the study of language.
• Linguistics is a scientific field using research to understand how humans acquire, use, and sometimes abuse language.
• Major branches of linguistics include phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.

Phonetics and Phonology

• Phonetics is the study of individual speech sounds.
• Phonology is the study of phonemes (speech sounds of a language).
• These fields overlap significantly, covering all sounds humans can make and those making up various languages.
• Phonologists study the differences between similar-sounding words that have different meanings (e.g., BAT and TAB).

Morphology

• It's the study of words and meaningful units like suffixes and prefixes.
• Morphological analysis examines relationships between words (e.g., dog and dogs, walk and walking).

Syntax

• Syntax studies how sentences and phrases are structured (word order).
• Words must be in a specific order for the sentence to convey intended meanings.
• Example: "Eugene walked the dog" vs. "The dog walked Eugene."

Semantics and Pragmatics

• Semantics examines sentence meanings and the real-world objects or concepts they denote.
• Pragmatics studies how context influences sentence meaning.
• Example: "Fire!" has a different meaning in a crowded theater than a seven-gun salute.

Macro Skills in Communication

• Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are the four macro skills for success in communication.
• These need to be learned in order to communicate with others.

Listening

• Active listening involves actively acknowledging the speaker's information.
• Competitive listening occurs when one person prioritizes their opinions over understanding the speaker and their feedback in a discussion.

Speaking

• Speaking is the skill of conveying messages to receivers through verbal expressions and use of heard information.
• This can relate to understanding and expressing feelings towards received messages.

Reading

• Analyzing the symbols in a language is a part of the communication process.
• By analyzing the sounds and letter arrangements, language is decoded into meaningful communication.

Writing

• Writing is a complex communication skill that involves significant practice.
• It is a tool for expressing thoughts and feelings.

First Language vs. Second Language

• First language (L1) is the native language.
• Second language (L2) is acquired after the native language.
• Language acquisition in children is different from adult language acquisition.

Factors for First and Second Language Acquisition

• Age is a significant factor. Children usually find learning new languages easier than adults.
• Personality plays a role. Learners with extroverted personalities may have an easier time than introverted personalities.
• Culture influences acquisition. Native languages are deeply entrenched in culture.
• Motivation is also crucial. The motivation to learn a second language may affect learning pace.

Native Language, Mother Tongue, and Foreign Language

• Native language is the language acquired early in childhood and the primary mode of communication.
• Mother tongue is another term used for native language.
• A foreign language is a language learned outside of one's native linguistic environment where it is not the primary language used for communication.

Macro and Micro Linguistic Studies

• Macro-linguistics studies language in relation to broader contexts like sociolinguistics (language and society), psycholinguistics (language and psychology), and neurolinguistics (language and neurology).
• Micro-linguistics examines the internal structure of language including how words are put together and the relationship between sounds and meaning.

Prescriptive vs. Descriptive Grammar

• Prescriptive grammar dictates how a language should be used based on rules and conventions.
• Descriptive grammar describes how a language is currently used without judgements on correctness.

Diachronic vs. Synchronic Linguistics

• Diachronic linguistics studies language through different historical periods.
• Synchronic linguistics studies language at a single point in time.

Oral vs. Written Language

• Written language provides more precision and allows for further deliberation.
• Oral language can be more effective in engaging an audience.

Plurality of English

• English is a language with various forms and regional differences in grammar, spelling, and pronunciation.
• There is no singular form of acceptable English.

Linguistic Universals and Universal Grammar

• Linguistic Universals are common properties across different languages in syntax.
• Universal grammar is a theoretical concept about inherent features of language acquisition shared across all humans.

English vs. English Speakers

• English, in reference, is frequently used to refer to the language spoken in Great Britain, not in a broader context.

Language and Humans

• Humans are naturally born to learn language.
• Aspects of language acquisition are instinctive, not inborn, and involve the brain’s structure and capability.
• Humans learn their native language without formal instruction, but this capability may not be present in other species.

Features of Human Language

• Vocal-auditory channel involves sound production and perception.
• Rapid fading/transience means sounds fade quickly.
• Interchangeability means all utterances can be produced.
• Total feedback means the speaker can hear messages.
• Specialization means language serves a specific communication purpose.
• Semanticist relationship exists between signals and meaning.
• Arbitrariness means the relationship between signal and meaning is not fixed.
• Discreteness involves discrete units (sound or words) for various meanings.
• Displacement involves communicating about past and future events as well as far-off places.
• Productivity ability to produce infinite language combinations and new expressions.
• Cultural transmission involves learning language within a culture.
• Duality of Patting means language combinations from discrete units (patterns), which can yield various meanings
• Prevarication allows language to express falsehoods.
• Reflexiveness refers to reflection/communication about communication.
• Additional functions for language use such as learning, telling stories etc are also mentioned.