Core Properties, Functions, and Frameworks of Language

Flashcards covering core properties of language, Halliday and Jakobson functions, nonverbal cues, the PAC model, language myths, and barriers to meaning.

What does the rule-governed property of language mean, and what levels does it involve?

It means language operates systematically through interrelated levels: phonology (sounds), morphology (word formation), syntax (structure), semantics (meaning), and pragmatics (use).

What does the Taglish phrase "Have you eaten na?" exemplify regarding the core properties of language?

It exemplifies pragmatic politeness and code-mixing within the rule-governed property of language.

What does it mean for language to be conventional yet arbitrary?

Meanings are agreed upon by communities, as seen when different word forms like "mesa" and "table" represent the exact same concept.

What examples illustrate that language is dynamic and evolving?

The emergence of new words such as "stan," "low-key," and "lodi," as well as shifts in registers across different platforms like email versus chat.

How is the productive or creative property of language defined?

It is the ability to use finite rules to generate infinite messages, enabling speakers to produce sentences that have never been uttered before.

How does language function as a social and cultural tool?

Language indexes identity, power, and group membership through dialects, sociolects, and honorifics.

What does it mean for language to be multimodal?

It means meaning arises from a combination of verbal and nonverbal signals, including tone, gesture, layout, emojis, and formatting.

Why do speakers engage in variability and code-switching?

Speakers fluidly shift among languages or registers to fit specific goals, such as using Filipino–English code-mixing in meetings to promote clarity and rapport.

What are the seven functions of language according to Halliday?

Instrumental (to get things), regulatory (to control), interactional (to relate), personal (to express self), heuristic (to explore), imaginative (to create), and representational (to inform).

What are the six functions of language according to Jakobson?

Referential (about things), emotive (self), conative (to influence addressee), phatic (channel/"hello?"), metalingual (about language), and poetic (form/style).

What are the verbal and nonverbal cues outlined in the notes?

Verbal cues include vocabulary, grammar, discourse patterns, and register. Nonverbal cues include Kinesics (movement/gesture), Proxemics (use of space), Chronemics (time/punctuality), Haptics (touch), Oculesics (eye contact), Artifacts (appearance, visuals), and Paralanguage (pitch, pace, volume).

What does the PAC model stand for, and what is its decision rule?

PAC stands for Purpose, Audience, and Context. The decision rule is PAC -> L (decide Purpose–Audience–Context first, then choose Language).

According to the PAC model, what aspects should be considered when analyzing the Audience?

Prior knowledge, culture, power distance, and expectations.

What three common language myths are busted in the notes?

1. "Grammar alone guarantees clarity." 2. "Nonverbal doesn't matter online." 3. "Code-switching is 'wrong'."

What are the four barriers to meaning and their recommended solutions?

1. Noise (technical, semantic, cultural) -> define terms, provide examples, use visuals. 2. Ambiguity -> choose precise words; provide context. 3. Jargon overload -> adapt register; add plain-language glosses. 4. Cultural pragmatics -> check politeness strategies, forms of address, honorifics.