Lesson 1: Language and Linguistics PDF

Lesson 1: Language and Linguistics 1. Definition of Language A language is set of sounds, words, signs, body movements, gestures, facial expressions and interjections used by a specific group (human) for the sake of communications.  Sounds: Spoken words or noises that convey meaning (e.g., “...

Lesson 1: Language and Linguistics 1. Definition of Language A language is set of sounds, words, signs, body movements, gestures, facial expressions and interjections used by a specific group (human) for the sake of communications.  Sounds: Spoken words or noises that convey meaning (e.g., “hello,”).  Words: Written or spoken terms used to express ideas (e.g., “book,” “run”).  Signs: Written symbols or hand gestures (e.g., road signs or sign language).  Body movements: Physical actions like pointing or nodding.  Gestures: Movements of the hands or body to communicate (e.g., waving hello).  Facial expressions: Using the face to show emotions (e.g., smiling).  Interjections: Sudden sounds that express emotion (e.g., “Wow!” or “Oops!”). Example: When someone waves and says “Hi!” with a smile, they are using words, gestures, and facial expressions to communicate. 2. Definition of Linguistics Linguistics is the scientific study of human language. It is divided into several subfields that help us understand different aspects of language.  Language Form (Structure or Grammar) This focuses on the rules that govern how language works. S+V+O/C Example: In English, the sentence “The cat sleeps” follows the rule of subject + verb + object.  Language Meaning This explores how words and sentences convey meaning. Example: The word ‘bank’ can means the institution where you get your money or the bank of the river which means here the side of the river.  Language in Context This looks at how people use language differently in different settings. Example: You might speak more formally to a teacher (“Good morning, how are you?”) than to a friend (“Hey, what’s up?”). Example: ‘it is cold here’ without a context it can mean, close the window or can you land me your jacket. So without the context you cannot understand the real meaning of this utterance. Historical Example of Linguistics: The earliest known work in linguistics comes from Panini, who analyzed the structure of Sanskrit around 500 BCE. Main Areas of Linguistics 1. Morphology: The study of word formation. Example: The word “unhappiness” is made up of three parts: “un-” (negative), “happy” (root word), and “-ness” (state of being). 2. Syntax: The study of how words combine to form sentences. Example: In English, “The dog chased the cat” is correct, but “Chased the dog cat the” is not. 3. Phonology: The study of sound systems in language. Example: The English language uses sounds like “b” in “bat” and “p” in “pat.” 4. Phonetics: The study of how speech sounds are produced and perceived. Example: The difference between the sound of “s” in “snake” and “z” in “zebra.” Broader Areas in Linguistics  1. Historical Linguistics: Studies how languages change over time. Example: How Old English evolved into Modern English. 2. Sociolinguistics: Examines the relationship between language and society. Example: How people in different social groups speak differently, such as regional accents. 3. Psycholinguistics: Explores how the brain processes language. Example: How children learn to speak their first language. 4. Neurolinguistics: Looks at how language is processed in the brain. Example: Studying how brain damage affects language skills. 5. Language Acquisition: Studies how people learn languages. Example: How babies learn their first language by listening to their parents. 6. Discourse Analysis: Studies how language is used in conversations or written texts. Example: Analyzing how a speech is structured to persuade an audience. Other Disciplines Related to Linguistics 1. Semiotics: The study of signs and symbols. Example: How road signs communicate information through images. 2. Anthropology: Studies language within different cultures. Example: Investigating how indigenous tribes use language to preserve their traditions. 3. Computer Science: How computers understand and process language. Example: Developing AI that can talk to people, like virtual assistants (e.g., Siri or Alexa). 4. Speech-Language Pathology: Helps people who have difficulties with speech or language. Example: A therapist working with a child who has trouble pronouncing certain words. In short, linguistics helps us understand the rules, meaning, and use of language, whether we’re learning a new language or figuring out how languages change and interact in different cultures.