Chapter one

Chapter one

1. what is language?

Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for

human communication. This definition covers four aspects:

system, arbitrary, vocal, symbol. For system, elements are

arranged systematically. Its being a system ensures a common

ground on which the users can grasp it and understand it. For

arbitrary, there is usually without intrinsic connection between

a word and the thing referred to. For symbol, words are

associated with objects, concepts, actions, by nothing more

than conventions. For vocal, sound or speech is the primary

medium for all human languages.

2. what functions does language have？

Language has seven functiongs,1,phatic(to create a

certain atmosphere or keep social contacts)2.directive(to make

the hearer do something) rmative(to tell someone

something) 4.interrogative(to get message)5.expressive(to

show the feeling and attitudes of the speaker)6.evocative(to

create certain feeling in the hearer) 7.performative(people

speak to do things or to perform actions)

3. what are features of human language specified by Hockett?

Arbitrariness—a sign of sophistication only human are capable of.

Creativity—

Duality—

Displacement--

Cultural transmission--

4. what is linguistics?

It is the scientific study of language. It studies the language

of all human beings. It studies the general principle where

upon all human languages are constructed and operate as

systems of communication in their societies or communities.

5. what are the major branches of linguistics? What does each

of them study?

Phonetics is the study of the phonic medium of language.

How speech sounds are produced and classified in all

languages of the world.

Phonology: the study of sound system—the whole of

distinctive sounds that occur in a language and patterns into

which they fall. How sounds form systems and functions to

convey meaning.

Morphology: how morphemes are combined to form words.

Syntax: how morphemes and words are combined to form

sentences. Semantics: the study of meaning

Pragmatics: the study of meaning in context of use

Sociolinguistics: the study of language with reference to

society.

Psycholinguistics: the study of language with reference to

the working of the mind

Applied linguistics: the application of linguistic principles and

theories to language teaching and learning.

6. why is that linguistics is scientific study of language?

Linguistic studies languages in general. It is based on

systematic investigation of authentic language data. Three

things: observing the way language is actually used,

formulating some hypotheses, and testing these hypotheses

against linguistic facts to prove their validity. A linguistic

follows four principles: exclusiveness, consistency,

economy and objectivity.

7. of the two media of communication, speech and writing,

which one is primary and why?

Speech is the primary medium. It has a history of at least

100,000 years. Speech plays a greater role in daily

communication. A large number of communication is carried

out in speech than in writing. Speech is the way in which people acquire their native language. Children learn to speak

before they learn to write.

8. what is the difference between langue and parole?

Langue refers to the abstract linguistic system shared by all

members of a speech community. it is relatively stable and

systematic. It is not spoken by individual.

Parole refers to actual or actualized language. It is the

realization of langue. It is subject to personal and situational

constraints. It is always a naturally occurring event.

9. what is the distinction between the competence and the

performance?

A speaker‘s performance does not always equals his

supposed competence.

Performance refers to the actualization of the ideal

language user‘s knowledge of the rules of his language in

utterances. It is often influenced by psychological and social

factors.

Competence enables a speaker to produce and understand

verbal expressions. It is stable.

10. what makes modern linguistic different from traditional

grammar?

Modern linguistic is descriptive. Its investigations are based on authentic and mainly spoken language data. It mainly

describes and analyses the facts of language.

Traditional grammar is prescriptive. It is based on written

language.

11. is modern linguistics mainly synchronic or diachronic?

Why?

Modern linguistic is synchronic, focusing on the present-day

language.

12. how is sanusure‘s distinction between langue and parole

similar to Chomsky‘s distinction between competence and

performance?

Both Saussure and Chomsky make the distinction between the