LESSON 1 NATURE OF LANGUAGE

Lesson 1: Nature of Language

References and Text Sources

• Key References:

  • Magan, R., Nano, M.C., Turano, C. (2018). Purposive Communication in the 21st Century. Mindshapers Co. Inc.

  • Madrunio, M., Martin, I. (2018). Purposive Communication: Using English in Multilingual Contexts. C & E Publishing Inc.

Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate an understanding of:

  • Key ideas in language and communication.

  • The importance of language and communication in daily life.

What is Language?

• Definition of Language:

  • A structured system of communication organized in a deliberate manner.

• Components of Language:

  • Grammar: The system of rules.

  • Phonology: The system of sounds.

  • Lexicon: The vocabulary of a language.

• Unique Human Trait:

  • Humans uniquely produce language; animals communicate through sounds but lack organized speech.

  • Example: A dog barks for food but does not form meaningful sentences.

• Primary Tool:

  • Language is a fundamental tool for communication in human interactions.

How Do We Acquire Language?

• Language Acquisition:

  • The process through which individuals acquire the languages of their surrounding communities.

• First Language (Mother Tongue):

  • The language initially acquired during early development (e.g., Filipino in the local context).

• Speech Community:

  • A community sharing the same set of rules in a language system, enabling mutual understanding.

• Second Language:

  • A language learned outside of the first language context, typically in educational settings.

• Language Learning:

  • The process of consciously learning a new language apart from the first language.

Language Contact and Change

• Language Contact:

  • Occurs when an individual moves to a different speech community; initially challenging but results in gradual understanding.

• Language Change:

  • Continuous interaction can lead to the development of a new, mutually comprehensible language between different communities.