Introduction to Linguistics

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to linguistics, including definitions and important functions of language.

Language

A system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication.

Arbitrariness

No natural connection between words and meanings.

Productivity/Creativity

The ability to create infinite sentences.

Displacement

The ability to talk about the past, future, or things not present.

Duality of Patterning

Sounds combine into words, and words into sentences.

Cultural Transmission

Language is learned socially, not biologically inherited.

Communication Limitations in Animals

Animal communication is limited to survival and lacks displacement and productivity.

Instrumental Function of Language

Using language to get things done.

Personal Function of Language

Using language to express feelings or opinions.

Heuristic Function of Language

Using language to explore and learn.

Phonetics

The study of the physical properties of speech sounds.

Morphology

The study of word formation.

Syntax

The study of sentence structure.

Semantics

The study of meaning in language.

Pragmatics

The study of meaning in context.

Discourse

Language that extends beyond individual sentences.

Langue vs. Parole (Saussure)

Distinction between the system of language and individual use.

Competence vs. Performance (Chomsky)

Distinction between knowledge of language and actual use.

Articulatory Phonetics

How speech sounds are produced using speech organs.

Acoustic Phonetics

Physical properties of sound waves.

Auditory Phonetics

How humans perceive speech sounds.

Phoneme

The smallest distinctive sound unit in language.

Allophone

Variations of a phoneme.

Minimal Pairs

Words that differ by only one sound.

IPA

International Phonetic Alphabet, a system for transcribing speech sounds.