Lesson 1: Meaning, Characteristics, Importance, Functions, and Levels of Language

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering definitions, functions, authors, and levels of language based on Lesson 1 lecture notes.

Lingua

A Latin word literally meaning 'tongue', which serves as the etymological root of the word language (wika).

Language according to Salazar (1996)

The soul and foundation that forms, shapes, and gives spirit to a culture.

Language according to UP Diksyonaryong Filipino

A sound system that uses arbitrary signals in an agreed-upon manner and meaning.

Language according to Hymes (1972)

A living, open system that interacts with, alters, and is altered by the environment as a social and human skill.

Language according to Halliday (1973)

An instrument that helps individuals accomplish tasks through naming, verbal expression, suggesting, requesting, commanding, and conversing.

Language according to San Buenaventura (1985)

A spoken and written image, storehouse of a nation's knowledge, and repository of traditions faithful to national aspirations.

Language according to Mangahis et al. (2005)

The medium used for the orderly transmission and reception of messages, serving as the key to mutual understanding.

Language according to Ngugi Ihiong (1987)

Culture itself, functioning as a connective chest of human experiences and history that allows a nation to take pride in its culture.

Language according to Gleason (1988)

A systematic framework composed of two system structures: the framework of sound and the framework of meaning.

Language according to Constantino and Zafra

A collection of words and the method of combining them so that a group of people can understand one another or communicate.

Language according to Rene Descartes

A proof that human beings are distinct from animals through their unique capacity for mind, thought, and understanding.

Language according to Whitehead

The totality of thought of the society that created it, serving as a reflection of its character and identity.

Language according to Chomsky (1957)

A mental process possessing universal grammar and a highly abstract level.

Language according to Whorf

Simple words created in response to human environment that serve not only as expression tools but also as shapers of ideas.

Language according to Carlyle, T.

Described as the 'muscle-cloth' (saplot-kalamnan) of thought—an intrinsic part of the body of thinking rather than just an outer garment.

Language according to Plato

Formed through human law with a mysterious relationship to nature and its representatives.

Instrumental Function (Halliday)

Summarized as 'I want'; language used by a speaker to accomplish their desires.

Regulatory Function (Halliday)

Summarized as 'Do as I tell you'; language used to control events, behavior, or actions.

Representational Function (Halliday)

Summarized as 'I've got something to tell you'; language used to convey knowledge or information.

Interactional Function (Halliday)

Summarized as 'You and me'; language used to establish and maintain social relationships.

Personal Function (Halliday)

Summarized as 'Here I come'; language used to express personal voice, thoughts, and individual identity.

Heuristic Function (Halliday)

Summarized as 'Tell me why'; language used as an instrument to acquire knowledge.

Imaginative Function (Halliday)

Summarized as 'Let's pretend'; language used to express or create imaginative thoughts.

Emotive Function (Jakobson)

Language function used to express inner attitudes, feelings, and emotions.

Conative Function (Jakobson)

Language function used to persuade, influence, or direct others through requests and commands.

Phatic Function (Jakobson)

Language function used to establish, maintain, or open social connection with others.

Referential Function (Jakobson)

Also called cognitive function; language used to convey specific information, messages, or reference facts.

Metalingual Function (Jakobson)

Language used to analyze, clarify, or discuss language itself, including word meanings and intentions.

Poetic Function (Jakobson)

Language function used for artistic and aesthetic expression of ideas.

Transactional Function (Yule & Brown)

Language function primarily focused on transmitting the content of a message.

Interactional Function (Yule & Brown)

Language function prioritizing the social listener as an interlocutor over the raw exchange of information.

Phenomenology (Penomenolohiya)

An attempt to clarify basic terms, concepts, and categories in high-level disciplines by scientifically explaining observable phenomena and conscious experiences.

Formal Language (Pormal)

Standard words recognized, accepted, and used by the majority, especially educated individuals and scholars.

National Language Level (Pambansa)

A formal language level used in textbooks, grammar instruction across schools, and government communications.

Literary Language Level (Pampanitikan)

A formal language level used by authors in creative writing, featuring elevated, deep, artistic, and figurative phrasing.

Informal Language (Impormal)

Everyday, common words used in casual, routine conversations among friends and acquaintances.

Provincial Level (Lalawiganin)

Dialectal vocabulary specific to a region or province, often marked by a distinct accent or tone (punto).

Colloquial Level (Kolokyal)

Everyday informal words, often created by shortening or contracting words during conversation (e.g., nasa'n, pa'no, sa'kin).

Slang Level (Balbal)

The lowest level of informal language created within specific groups as internal codes, which can include vulgar expressions (antas bulgar).