INTRODUCTION TO

LINGUISTICS

aya's prop/Int to Ling (1)

Lingua

Linguistics

Linguistics :
Scientific study of language

aya's prop/Int to Ling (1)

Language
A set of signals by which we communicate
Highly organized system in which each unit
plays an important part which is related to
other parts
A system of arbitrary vocal symbol used by
the member of the group to
communicate/interact and to identify
themselves
Language is a phonic medium (also graphic
medium) to convey message. It includes how
something is communicated and what is
being communicated
aya's prop/Int to Ling (1)

Main Functions of Language

As a means of communication

1. Interactional Function,

It has to do with how human beings use

language to interact with each other socially
or emotionally. How they indicate friendliness,
cooperation, hostility, annoyance, pain, or
pleasure.
2. Transactional function

Whereby human beings use their linguistics

abilities to communicate knowledge, skills, and
information
As part of our identity
aya's prop/Int to Ling (1)

Characteristics of Language
Language is a system
systematic & Systemic (sound, meaning, system of the
language)
Language is a system of symbols/signs
Language is meaningful (related to life aspects)
Language is conventional
Language is a system of sound (written is secondary)
Language is arbitrary
Language is productive
Language is unique
Language is universal
Language is learned
aya's prop/Int to Ling (1)

System of Language
III
I

II

Remarks
I.
World of Sign
II.
World of Meaning
III. System of Language
aya's prop/Int to Ling (1)

Differences of speech &

Writing
Phonic Medium
Composed of Sounds
Makes use of intonation,
pitch, rhythm, tempo
Produced effortlessly
no tools required
Transitory
Perceived by the ear
Addressee present
Immediate feedback
Meaning helped by context,
gestures etc
Spontaneous
Associative

Graphic Medium
Composed of letters/signs
Make use of punctuation &
other graphological devices
Produced with effort tools
required
Relatively Permanent
Perceived by the eye
Addressee absent
Feedback delayed
Meaning must be made clear
within the context
Not Spontaneous
Logical

aya's prop/Int to Ling (1)

Speech is primary, because;

Writing is relatively recent development
in human societies
Thousands of speech communities rely
solely on speech
All of us speak a great deal more than we
write
Although we acquire speech without
conscious effort, learning to read and
write is usually less spontaneous and less
automatic
aya's prop/Int to Ling (1)

Properties of Language
Displacement
arbitrary
productivity
cultural transmission
Discreteness
Duality
aya's prop/Int to Ling (1)

Nature of Language
Language is a complex phenomenon
Language is beyond the total grasp of an
individual
Language is both shared and private
phenomenon
Language is dynamic
Each language has its own system
No language is superior
No language is homogeneous
aya's prop/Int to Ling (1)

10