Linguistics Chapter 1

Introduction

• Study of language is essential for understanding human communication.

• Investigates the inherent characteristics and structures of language.

Chapter 1: Gust Since 2002

Why Study Language?

• Language provides insight into what it is to be human.

• Reflects self-identity and is crucial for social interactions.

• Practical applications in various fields like education, technology, and communication.

What You Know When You Know a Language

• Speakers possess extensive knowledge about their language, often unconsciously.

• Linguistic Competence vs. Linguistic Performance is crucial to understanding this phenomenon.

What is Linguistics?

• Definition:

  • Systematic study of language by linguists.

• Main Components of Linguistics:

  • Phonetics/Phonology: Study of sounds.

  • Morphology: Study of parts of words.

  • Syntax: Study of sentence structure and word order.

  • Semantics: Study of word meanings.

  • Pragmatics: Study of implied meanings and context.

• Types of Linguists:

  • Theoretical linguists: Explore language theories and historical changes.

  • Applied linguists: Use linguistic studies in practical applications like forensic and computational linguistics.

1.1 Why Study Language?

• Unique human capability to communicate complex thoughts.

• Three reasons to study language:

  1. Investigates human nature.

  2. Reflects personal and social identity.

  3. Aids in education, technology design, and treatment of language disorders.

1.1.2 Surprising But True Things About Language

1. Grammar is complex and learned innately.

2. Most sentences spoken are novel.

3. No intrinsic connection between words and their meanings.

4. Language influences sound distinctions.

1.1.3 Misconceptions About Language

• Common Misconceptions:

  • Swearing degrades language, animals have similar languages, writing is superior to speech, etc.

1.2 What You Know When You Know a Language

• Extensive knowledge unconscious to speakers is crucial.

• Linguistic competence relates to mental knowledge versus performance in usage.

1.2.1 Linguistic Competence vs. Linguistic Performance

• Competence is hidden knowledge, while performance reveals the knowledge.

• Errors in performance do not reflect on linguistic competence.

1.3 What Language Inherently Is and Is Not

• Significance of competence versus aspects like writing and prescriptive grammar.

1.3.1 Language as Knowledge

• Speaking and writing are different but related forms of communication.

• Knowledge of language exists in lexicon and mental grammar.

1.3.2 Writing is Secondary to Speech

• Reasons speech is considered primary:

  1. Naturally acquired versus taught writing.

  2. Universality of spoken language.

  3. Neurolinguistic evidence supports speech precedence.

  4. Spontaneity of spoken language versus edited writing.

  5. Historical development shows speech precedes writing.

1.3.3 Language is Not Prescriptive Grammar

• Distinction between mental grammar, descriptive grammar, and prescriptive grammar.

• Descriptive grammar observes natural language without moral judgments.

1.4 How to Identify Language

• Challenges in Defining Language:

  • Charles Hockett's design features provide insight into language's nature.

Hockett's Language Design Features

1. Vocal-Auditory Channel: Sounds produced and received.

2. Arbitrariness: No inherent connection between words and meanings.

3. Semanticity: Symbols refer to objects/actions.

4. Cultural Transmission: Language is learned through generations.

5. Spontaneous Usage: Humans freely initiate speech.

6. Turn-taking: Participation in conversation by speaker turns.

7. Duality of Structure: Two levels of language; sounds and meaningful combinations.

8. Displacement: Ability to refer to things beyond immediate context.

9. Structure-dependence: Patterns recognized in language use.

10. Creativity and Productivity: Freedom to express thoughts variably.

11. Intention-reading: Understanding others' intentions.

Conclusion

• Studying language is vital for understanding human uniqueness, communication complexities, and its impact on society.