Language and Linguistics

术语解释：

Language: Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human

communication.

Linguistics: Linguistics is the scientific and systematic study of language.

Design features（甑别性特征）: Design features refer to the defining properties of

human language that distinguish it from any animal system of communication

Arbitrariness(任意性): It means that there is no logical connection between

meanings and sounds

Productivity /creativity (创造性）: Language is productive or creative in that it

makes possible the con-struction and interpretation of new signals by its users.

Recursiveness(递归性）: according to some linguistic theories , the capacity that

enables the grammar of a language to produce an infinite number of sentences.

Cultural transmission（文化传递性）：It refers to the fact that the details of the

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Chapter 1 Language and Linguistics

I.TEM-8 专区

1. Arbitrariness of language was first discussed by______.

A. Chomsky B. Halliday C. Firth D. Saussure

2. Which branch of study can not be included in the scope of linguistics?

A. Syntax B. Pragmatics C. Phonetics D. Anthropology

3. The distinction of langue and parole is made by____. [06年真题]

A. Hall B. Sapir C. Chomsky D. Sassure

4. _____ is the study of the relationship between symbols and their interpreter.

A. Syntax B. Semantics C. Pragmatics D. Sociolinguistics

5. The _____ function of language is one of the most powerful uses of language

because it is crucial in changing the emotional status of an audience for or against

someone or something.

A. performative B. phatic C. recreational D. emotive

1. Language

1.1 Defining Language

1.2 Design features

1.3 Origin

1.4 Functions

1.1 Defining Language

. Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication.

Language is a system, i.e., elements of language are combined according to rules.

“iblk” “Been he wounded has”

Language is arbitrary: there is no logical/intrinsic connection between a linguistic

symbol and what the symbol stands for.

-- Different languages have different words for the same object;

-- The symbolic nature of language: words are just symbols: they are associated with

objects, actions, ideas, etc. by convention.

“A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” (Romeo and Juliet -- William

Shakespeare)

Language is vocal because the primary medium for all languages is sound.

The term “human” is meant to specify that language is human-specific. (Why?)

1 语 言 学

第一讲

Lecture One Brief Introduction to Ling and Lang

1. Linguistics

1.1 Definition of linguistics Page 1-2

“scientific study of language”.

ling is a discipline which describes lang in all its respects (e.g. its system, its

internal structure, its social functions, its use and its historical development) and

formulates theories as to how it works.

1.2 linguistics versus traditional grammar

Traditional grammar, as a pre-20th century language description and

pre-linguistic product of research, was based upon earlier grammars of Latin or Greek,

and laid emphasis on correctness, literary excellence, the use of Latin models, and the

priority of written language

----A gram which states rules for what is considered the best or most correct usage.

The three sources from which the rules of prescriptive gram come: