Linguistics

Chapter 1 Introduction: Language and Linguistics

l What is language?

n Different definitions of language

u Language is a system whose parts can and must be considered in their synchronic solidarity. (de Saussure, 1916)

u [Language is] a set (finite or infinite) of sentences, each finite in length and constructed out of a finite set of elements. (Chomsky, 1957)

u Language is a purely human and non-instinctive method of communicating ideas, emotions and desires by means of voluntarily produced symbols.

n Each of the definitions above has pointed out some aspects of the essence of language, but all of them have left out something. We must see the multi-faceted nature of language.

n As is agreed by linguists in broad terms, language can be defined as a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication.

l Features of human language

n Creativity

u Language provides opportunities for sending messages that have never been sent before and for understanding brand new messages.

u The grammar rules and the words are finite, but the sentences are infinite. Every speaker uses language creatively.

n Duality

u Language contains two subsystems, one of sounds and the other of meanings.

u Certain sounds or sequences of sounds stand for certain meanings.

u Certain meanings are conveyed by certain speech sounds or sequences of speech sounds.

n

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