Linguistics 1 – Prelim Vocabulary Review

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the Linguistics 1 prelim reviewer, including language basics, motivation, phonetics, and learner factors.

Language

Primary, structured, rule-governed human system for expressing thoughts, emotions, and ideas through sounds, symbols, or gestures.

Dialect

Regional or social variety of a language with distinct pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.

Lingua Franca

Common language used for communication between speakers of different native tongues; in the Philippines, Filipino.

Linguistics

Scientific study and description of language and its structure.

Phonetics

Branch of linguistics that studies speech sounds and their physical properties.

Phonology

Study of how sounds function and pattern within a particular language.

Morphology

Study of word formation and structure.

Syntax

Study of sentence structure and word order.

Semantics

Study of meaning in language.

Pragmatics

Study of language use in context and how meaning is conveyed beyond literal words.

Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences

Theory proposing eight distinct intelligences such as linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, etc.

Instrumental Motivation

Desire to learn a language for practical goals like passing exams or advancing a career.

Integrative Motivation

Desire to learn a language to integrate with its speakers’ culture or community.

Intrinsic Motivation

Internal interest or enjoyment that drives learning without external rewards.

Extrinsic Motivation

Learning driven by external rewards such as grades, praise, or job benefits.

Multilingualism (Philippines)

Coexistence of 180+ Philippine languages; Filipino and English serve as official languages.

Tagalog

Major Philippine language that forms the basis of, but is not identical to, Filipino.

First Language Acquisition (FLA)

Natural, unconscious acquisition of a native language during early childhood.

Inhibition

Fear or shyness that lowers risk-taking and hinders language performance, especially speaking.

Language Anxiety

Apprehension about using a second language, often leading to silence or avoidance.

Extrovert (in SLA)

Learner who readily engages in conversation and takes communicative risks.

Introvert (in SLA)

Learner who may prefer solitary or written language tasks and careful reflection.

Language Learning Aptitude

Innate capacity for language learning, including pattern recognition, memory, and phonetic coding.

Learning Styles

Preferred ways individuals process information (visual, auditory, tactile, etc.).

Brain Plasticity

Flexibility of the brain, greater in children, facilitating easier language learning.

Ethnologue

Comprehensive linguistic reference that documents the world’s 7,000+ languages.

International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

Standardized system of symbols representing the sounds of spoken language.

/æ/

IPA vowel sound as in “cat” or “flat.”

Stop (Plosive)

Manner of articulation where airflow is completely blocked, e.g., /p/, /b/, /d/.

Fricative

Consonant produced with narrow constriction causing friction, e.g., /f/, /v/, /θ/, /s/.

Nasal

Consonant produced with airflow through the nose, e.g., /m/, /n/.

Liquid

Consonant with minimal constriction and flowing quality, e.g., /l/, /r/.

Glide (Semivowel)

Consonant that glides toward a vowel position, e.g., /j/.

Bilabial

Place of articulation involving both lips, e.g., /p/, /b/, /m/.

Labiodental

Place of articulation involving lower lip and upper teeth, e.g., /f/, /v/.

Alveolar

Place of articulation at the alveolar ridge, e.g., /t/, /d/, /n/, /s/, /l/.

Dental

Place of articulation with tongue against teeth, e.g., /θ/.

Palatal

Place of articulation at the hard palate, e.g., /j/.

Teacher Strategy (Safe Environment)

Creating non-judgmental settings, using pair work, and providing positive reinforcement to reduce anxiety.