The aim of this work is to give students of linguistic an overview of their prospective field of study.
A series of lectures are given along with activities to provide students with a certain amount of knowledge concerning the components that are relevant and necessary to be learned in order to master the basic concepts in linguistics.
Since the study of linguistics is a broad field, students are not expected to learn everything about linguistics while going through this course book the first time, and they should not feel linguistically sluggish if they find that there are many questions that will remain unanswered at the end of it. This is an introductory course. Learners can actually study linguistics by sifting through the various lectures and doing the activities that accompany them. Suggestions for further reading will always be listed alongside each lesson that may help them in the future, when they need more detailed information.
Table of Contents
- Course objectives
- Introduction to the module
- 1. What is Human Language?
- Introduction
- On the origins of human language
- Language as a means of communication
- Dictionary definitions of language
- Linguistic definitions of language
- The notion of double articulation
- Conclusion
- 2. Features of Human Language
- Introduction
- Discussion of the target features
- Why study language?
- Conclusion
- 3. Human Language vs. Animal Communication
- Introduction
- Major distinctions between human language and animal communication
- Some experiments on various animals
- Conclusion
- 4. Functions of Human Language
- Introduction
- What are language functions?
- Micro functions
- Macro functions
- Conclusion
- 5. What is Linguistics?
- Introduction
- Definitions of the concept
- Is linguistics a science?
- Purposes of linguistics
- Linguistics as a social science
- Language and linguistics
- Conclusion
- 6. Branches of Linguistics (Micro Level)
- Introduction
- Micro Linguistics/Theoretical Linguistics
- Phonetics
- Phonology
- Morphology
- Syntax
- Semantics
- Pragmatics
- Conclusion
- 7. Branches of Linguistics (Macro Level)
- Introduction
- Macro-linguistics/ Applied linguistics
- Conclusion
- 8. Traditional Language Studies
- Introduction
- Foundations in antiquity
- The different grammars
- Conclusion
- 9. Approaches to Modern Linguistics
- Introduction
- The structuralist approach
- The Chomskyan approach
- Cognitivism
- Functionalism
- Conclusion
- 10. Major Distinctions in Linguistics
- Introduction
- De Saussure's Dichotomies
- Chomsky's Domination
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This module aims to provide a foundational understanding of human language, its characteristics, functions, and the field of linguistics. It explores the key differences between human and animal communication and introduces various branches and approaches within linguistics.
- Defining and characterizing human language.
- Comparing human language to animal communication systems.
- Exploring the functions and uses of language.
- Introducing the core concepts and branches of linguistics.
- Examining major theoretical approaches in linguistics.
Chapter Summaries
1. What is Human Language?: This chapter lays the groundwork for understanding human language by exploring its origins, its role as a communication tool, and various definitions from dictionary and linguistic perspectives. It also delves into the crucial concept of double articulation, a key feature distinguishing human language from other communication systems. The chapter concludes by synthesizing these diverse perspectives to create a comprehensive view of what constitutes human language.
2. Features of Human Language: This chapter delves into the defining characteristics of human language, examining features that distinguish it from other forms of communication. It analyzes these features in detail, explaining their significance and how they contribute to the complexity and versatility of human language. The chapter connects these features to the broader field of linguistics, highlighting why their study is crucial for understanding the intricacies of human communication.
3. Human Language vs. Animal Communication: This chapter directly compares human language with animal communication systems, identifying major distinctions and exploring examples through various experiments on different animals such as chimpanzees, dolphins, and honeybees. By contrasting these systems, the chapter illuminates the unique characteristics of human language and its remarkable capacity for complex communication, displacement, and abstract thought. The analysis showcases how human language surpasses the communicative abilities of other species.
4. Functions of Human Language: This chapter explores the multifaceted functions of human language, categorizing them into micro-functions (physiological, phatic, recording, reasoning, communication, and pleasure) and macro-functions (ideational, interpersonal, poetic, and textual). It examines each function in depth, illustrating its significance through examples and exploring the interplay between these various functions in everyday communication. The chapter provides a holistic view of the diverse roles language plays in human life.
5. What is Linguistics?: This chapter defines linguistics as a field of study, exploring its scientific nature and purposes. It examines linguistics as a social science and analyzes the relationship between language and linguistics. The chapter also discusses the relevance of linguistics in understanding human societies and cultures. It provides a concise yet thorough introduction to the field, setting the stage for subsequent discussions on its various branches and approaches.
6. Branches of Linguistics (Micro Level): This chapter delves into the micro-level branches of linguistics, focusing on theoretical linguistics. It explores phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, explaining each subfield's scope and methods. The chapter emphasizes the interconnectedness of these areas, highlighting how they contribute to a comprehensive understanding of language structure and meaning. The synthesis of these subfields forms a coherent overview of theoretical linguistics.
7. Branches of Linguistics (Macro Level): This chapter covers the macro-level branches of linguistics, focusing on applied linguistics. It highlights the practical applications of linguistic knowledge and the interdisciplinary nature of applied linguistics, demonstrating its impact on fields such as language education, language policy, and speech therapy. The chapter connects macro-linguistics with theoretical concepts presented in previous chapters, illustrating the practical relevance of linguistic theory.
8. Traditional Language Studies: This chapter traces the history of language study, from its roots in antiquity to the development of different grammatical traditions. It examines classical, medieval, and pedagogical grammars, as well as the rise of comparative philology. The chapter provides valuable historical context to understand the evolution of linguistic thought and the development of modern linguistic approaches.
9. Approaches to Modern Linguistics: This chapter surveys key approaches within modern linguistics, including structuralism, the Chomskyan approach, cognitivism, and functionalism. It examines the core tenets and methodologies of each approach, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. The chapter contrasts these different perspectives, demonstrating the diversity of thought within the field of linguistics and showcasing the ongoing evolution of its methodologies.
10. Major Distinctions in Linguistics: This chapter explores significant dichotomies within the field of linguistics. It analyzes Saussure's key distinctions, including langue vs. parole, signifier vs. signified, synchronic vs. diachronic, and syntagmatic vs. paradigmatic. Additionally, it examines Chomsky's influential dichotomies, including competence vs. performance, I-language vs. E-language, and deep structure vs. surface structure. The chapter provides a comprehensive overview of these central concepts, clarifying their implications and significance for linguistic theory.
Keywords
Human language, animal communication, linguistics, theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics, phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, structuralism, Chomskyan linguistics, cognitivism, functionalism, Saussure, Chomsky, langue, parole, competence, performance.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the overall focus of this module?
This module provides a foundational understanding of human language, its characteristics, functions, and the field of linguistics. It explores the key differences between human and animal communication and introduces various branches and approaches within linguistics.
What are the key topics covered in this module?
The module covers defining and characterizing human language; comparing human language to animal communication systems; exploring the functions and uses of language; introducing the core concepts and branches of linguistics; and examining major theoretical approaches in linguistics.
What are the chapter summaries?
The module includes detailed summaries for each chapter, covering topics such as: the definition and origins of human language; key features of human language; a comparison of human and animal communication; the functions of human language (micro and macro); an introduction to linguistics as a field of study; micro-level branches of linguistics (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics); macro-level branches of linguistics (applied linguistics); traditional language studies; modern approaches to linguistics (structuralism, Chomskyan linguistics, cognitivism, and functionalism); and major distinctions within linguistics (Saussure's and Chomsky's dichotomies).
What are the key objectives of this module?
The module aims to provide a comprehensive overview of human language, its characteristics, functions, and the field of linguistics. Students will gain a foundational understanding of the subject matter, enabling them to further explore specific areas of interest.
What are the key themes explored throughout the module?
Key themes include the definition and nature of human language, the comparison of human and animal communication, the various functions of language, the different branches of linguistics, and the major theoretical approaches in the field.
What are the main branches of linguistics discussed in the module?
The module covers both micro-level branches (theoretical linguistics, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics) and macro-level branches (applied linguistics). The interconnectedness of these areas and their contributions to a comprehensive understanding of language are highlighted.
How does the module approach the study of language?
The module explores different approaches to the study of language, including traditional language studies, structuralism, the Chomskyan approach, cognitivism, and functionalism. It analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, highlighting the diversity of thought within linguistics.
What are some of the key distinctions in linguistics discussed in the module?
The module examines significant dichotomies in linguistics, such as Saussure's (langue vs. parole, signifier vs. signified, synchronic vs. diachronic, syntagmatic vs. paradigmatic) and Chomsky's (competence vs. performance, I-language vs. E-language, deep structure vs. surface structure). These distinctions are analyzed to clarify their implications for linguistic theory.
What keywords are associated with this module?
Keywords include: Human language, animal communication, linguistics, theoretical linguistics, applied linguistics, phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, structuralism, Chomskyan linguistics, cognitivism, functionalism, Saussure, Chomsky, langue, parole, competence, performance.
What is the target audience for this module?
The module is designed for academic use, providing a foundational understanding of human language and linguistics suitable for students and researchers in related fields.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Chahrazed Hamzaoui (Autor:in), 2019, Introducing the Scope of Linguistic Enquiry. A Student´s Overview, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/492367
