Review on Definitions of Language, Macro Skills, Communicative Competence, Views on Language, and Components of Grammar

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to language definitions, macro skills, communicative competence, and the components of grammar.

Language

A system of spoken or written symbols used by humans to share information and interact socially.

Macro Skills

Essential abilities for effective communication, including reading, listening, speaking, and writing.

Receptive Macro Skills

Involve understanding language from the environment, such as listening and reading.

Expressive Macro Skills

Involve using language to create and transmit messages, such as speaking and writing.

Communicative Competence

The functional knowledge and control of the social rules of language use, coined by Dell Hymes.

Linguistic Competence

Unconscious knowledge of a language’s code, including grammar, vocabulary, and syntax.

Sociolinguistic Competence

The ability to use appropriate language in different social contexts, understanding cultural norms.

Discourse Competence

The ability to organize and connect sentences into coherent spoken or written texts.

Strategic Competence

The ability to manage communication breakdowns using strategies like rephrasing or gestures.

Structural View of Language

Views language as a system made up of subsystems, such as phonology, morphology, and syntax.

Functional View of Language

Sees language as a tool for completing real-life tasks, emphasizing practical usage.

Interactional View of Language

Highlights language as a means to build and maintain social relationships.

Syntax

The arrangement of words into structured sentences, governed by specific rules.

Morphology

The study of word structure and formation, including prefixes, suffixes, and root words.

Semantics

Examines how language generates meaning through the logical construction of words and sentences.

Phonology

The study of rules and patterns of sound combinations in a language.

Phonetics

Focuses on the physical production and properties of speech sounds.