Languages vs. Dialects

Language

It is a structured and conventional system of symbols and rules that are used by humans to communicate or convey meaning, information, and emotion.

Dialects

It is a variety of a language which has distinct linguistic features such as grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary.

Language is a system/systematic.

Feature of language that describes it to be rule-governed (phonological rules, semantic rules).

Language is symbolic/arbitrary.

Meanings are in people, not words. Only light and sound reach us.

Language is learned and acquired.

Language Learning: intentional, conscious.
Language Acquisition: Subconsciously acquiring a language. Similar to a baby’s first language spoken.

Language is changing, dynamic, productive, and creative

“If we die, language will die with us.” It is because of the speakers who speaks a language, it is used and is alive. If we do not use a language, it dies.

Language is conventional.

The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines – Article XIV Section 6. The national language of the Philippines is Filipino. As it evolves, it shall be further developed and enriched on the basis of existing Philippine and other languages.

Language reflects skills and attitude

Style of Speaking and Writing, Speaker’s Fluency, Names of People’s Position, Roles, and Functions. We should be gender-neutral to avoid words that may offend people. 

Phonology

Study of sounds.

Morphology

Study of word and word structure.

Lexicon

Study of vocabulary.

Semantics

Study of meanings.

Syntax

Rules of words and sentence structure.

Progmatics

It means to use.