Lesson 01: Introducing Linguistics PDF

Lesson 01: INTRODUCING LINGUISTICS Linguistics is the scientific study of language. It is a self-standing discipline (a field on its own.) with many sub-branches (referred to as “functions.”). These functions are divided into two main branches Micro functions and Macro Functions. 1. Micro F...

Lesson 01: INTRODUCING LINGUISTICS Linguistics is the scientific study of language. It is a self-standing discipline (a field on its own.) with many sub-branches (referred to as “functions.”). These functions are divided into two main branches Micro functions and Macro Functions. 1. Micro Functions: At this level linguistics examines the fine details and smaller components of language. This includes: Phonetics and phonology: The study of speech sounds and their production (phonetics) and the organization of sounds in a particular language (phonology). Morphology: Analysis of the structure and formation of words, including the study of morphemes (the smallest units of meaning). Syntax: The study of sentence structure, grammar, and the rules that govern the arrangement of words to form meaningful phrases and sentences. Semantics: The study of meaning in language, encompassing the meanings of words, phrases, and how meaning is constructed in sentences. 2. Macro Functions: At the macro-level, linguistics broadens its focus to consider language in its larger societal and cultural context. This includes: Sociolinguistics: The study of the relationship between language and society, including how language varies across different social groups, regions, and contexts. Psycholinguistics: Investigating how language is processed and represented in the human mind, including language acquisition, comprehension, and production. Historical Linguistics: The study of language change over time, including how languages evolve, diversify, and the relationships between languages. Pragmatics: Examining how context influences the use and interpretation of language in communication, including implications beyond the literal meaning of words.  Linguistics Defined by Linguists and Scholars: 1. Noam Chomsky: - "Linguistics is a branch of cognitive psychology, is concerned with the acquisition, comprehension, and use of language, and seeks to determine what knowledge of language is required for these tasks and how it is attained." "Language and Mind" by Noam Chomsky (1972) 2. Ferdinand de Saussure: - "Linguistics is a science that studies the life of language, its structures, and the way it functions. Since language is a system of signs, it offers a means of understanding the human mind and human behavior." "Course in General Linguistics" (Cours de linguistique générale) by Ferdinand de Saussure, edited by Charles Bally and Albert Sechehaye, and translated by Roy Harris (1916/1959) 3. Edward Sapir: - "Linguistics is the study of the forms and uses of language in human societies." "Language: An Introduction to the Study of Speech" by Edward Sapir (1921) 4. Leonard Bloomfield: - "Linguistics is the scientific study of language. Its concerns are what all languages have in common, how they differ, and how they change over time." "Language" by Leonard Bloomfield (1933) 5. William Labov: - "Linguistics is the scientific study of language as a social phenomenon. It investigates how language is structured, used, and acquired in social contexts." "Sociolinguistic Patterns" by William Labov (1972)