Linguistic Components of Human Language

Linguistics objectively studies language through the scientific method, forming theories about language acquisition, use, and potential misuse.

Phonetics deals with how words and other units of language combine, while phonology focuses on the meaning of words.

The field of morphology analyzes the function of varied sentence structures, focusing on how syntax influences meaningful communication.

Considering the rules of syntax, the two sentences, 'The cat chased the mouse,' and, 'The mouse chased the cat,' have the same underlying meaning.

Semantics is the study of how context contributes to the meaning of a sentence, such as understanding the different implications of shouting 'Fire!' in various situations.

The relationship between 'run', 'running', and 'runner' falls under the domain of syntax, as it involves understanding how these words are arranged in a sentence.

Phonology seeks to understand the diverse range of sounds humans can produce across all languages, while phonetics hones in on the specific sounds that define an individual language.

Understanding pragmatics is essential to interpret the meaning behind a sarcastic remark, as it requires considering the speaker's intent and the situational context.

The term 'English' accurately describes anything related to Great Britain without potentially causing offense to individuals from Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

The name 'England' predates the name of the English language, originating around the fourth century AD with the arrival of Germanic tribes.

Standard English is characterized by significant regional variations in spelling, grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, making it difficult to understand across different regions.

Multilingualism refers to the ability to speak many languages with native-level fluency in each.

Philippine English is entirely distinct from American English, with no similarities or relations between the two varieties.

According to Angela D. Frederica, humans require formal lessons to learn their mother tongue effectively.

Apes, dogs and parrots demonstrate the capacity to form meaningful sentences by combining learned words according to grammatical rules.

The Angles, Saxons, and Jutes emigrated from areas now known as France and Italy before settling in England during the fourth century AD.

Competitive listening is characterized by a genuine effort to understand the speaker's perspective and provide supportive feedback.

Effective speaking involves only the accurate verbal transmission of a message, regardless of the receiver's comprehension.

Proficiency in reading is solely determined by the ability to decode symbols accurately, without necessarily comprehending the meaning.

Mastering writing involves only knowing the proper strokes of each letter, with no consideration for expressing thoughts or feelings.

A second language acquisition mirrors the speed and subconscious nature of first language acquisition due to similar neurological processes.

An individual's first language is a matter of personal choice, much like selecting a second language for communication purposes.

Adults generally exhibit a superior capacity for second language acquisition compared to young children because of their enhanced cognitive abilities and life experiences.

Introverted individuals consistently demonstrate faster progress in second language learning than extroverted individuals due to their heightened focus and attention to detail.

Motivation plays a vital role in first language acquisition, driving the subconscious learning process from infancy.

A person's second language holds equivalent cultural significance to their first language, shaping their cultural identity and worldview.

Native language and mother tongue are distinct concepts; a native language is acquired later in life, while a mother tongue is learned from birth.

Passive listening involves actively engaging with the speaker by asking clarifying questions and providing thoughtful feedback.

The term 'native language attenuation' is favored by specialists due to its broader scope encompassing various childhood language acquisition scenarios.

The ability to speak fluently in a language guarantees successful communication, regardless of the listener's comprehension.

Macro-linguistics primarily investigates the specific phonetic details within a language's sound system.

Reading proficiency relies solely on memorizing alphabets and their corresponding sounds, ensuring accurate decoding of any written message.

Writing skills are primarily developed through innate talent, requiring minimal practice or formal instruction to achieve mastery.

Psycho-linguistics, a subcategory of micro-linguistics, explores the connection between language and information technology.

Morphology is concerned with how speech sounds are arranged to convey appropriate meaning.

Syntax focuses on the study of word meanings in isolation, disregarding their arrangement in sentences.

Prescriptive grammar describes language as it is actually used, focusing on observed patterns without imposing rules.

A descriptive grammarian would critique the sentence 'To boldly go where no man has gone before' as grammatically faulty.

Diachronic linguistics involves studying a language at a single point in time.

Synchronic linguistics examines language evolution across different historical periods.

According to Colleen Elaine Donnelly, determining regions where people say 'car' instead of 'automobile' is an example of diachronic study.

Oral communication enhances precision due to the speaker's ability to carefully select and revise words.

In oral communication, the speaker has less influence on the listener's interpretation than a writer has on a reader's understanding.

The detailed and intricate nature of written arguments is primarily attributed to the immediate feedback loop between the writer and the reader.

Linguistic universals are predominantly supported by empirical arguments as evidence for universal grammar.

The primary explanation for linguistic universals is that they reflect properties of language that complicate the communication process.

Definition of Language

Linguistics

Phonetics

Phonology

Morphology

Syntax

Semantics

Pragmatics

Standard English

Philippine English

Common Language

Multilingualism

Angles, Saxons, and Jutes

Language Learning in Humans

Concentric Circles of Kashrus

Englaland

Macro Skills in Communication

Listening

Passive Listening

Active Listening

Competitive Listening

Speaking

Reading

Writing

First Language (L1)

Second Language (L2)

Age Factor

Personality Factor

Culture Factor

Motivation Factor

Native Language

Native Language Acquisition (NLA)

Macro-linguistics

Micro-linguistics

Sociolinguistics

Descriptive Grammar

Prescriptive Grammar

Diachronic Linguistics

Synchronic Linguistics

Written Language

Oral Communication

Linguistic Universals

Universal Grammar