Introduction to Linguistics Lecture

Vocabulary flashcards covering core terms, figures, and subfields introduced in the linguistics lecture.

Linguistics

The scientific study of human language—its structure, use, development, and role in society.

Ferdinand de Saussure

Swiss scholar regarded as the Father of Structural Linguistics.

Structural Linguistics

An approach that analyzes language as a system of interrelated elements, pioneered by Saussure.

Noam Chomsky

American scholar celebrated as the Father of Modern Linguistics.

Phonetics

The branch of linguistics that investigates the physical properties of speech sounds.

Phonology

The study of phonemes and the systematic organization of sound patterns in languages.

Morphology

The branch that examines the internal structure and formation of words.

Syntax

The study of how words combine to form phrases and sentences.

Semantics

The branch concerned with the literal meaning of words, phrases, and sentences.

Pragmatics

The study of meaning in context, focusing on how discourse and situational factors influence interpretation.