ch 1 Flashcards
definition of universals
properties shared by all languages
constructed languages definition
a language ‘constructed’ by humans in order to solve a certain problem (ex: Esperanto). more similar to natural languages than formal languages are, but they don’t usually change over time.
computer languages definition
a type of formal language used by computers. (ex: Java)
formal languages aspects
everything is literal, doesn’t change over time, things cannot be omitted and still understood
definition of languages
systems of symbols that represent something
iconicity of signs definition
the relationship between the form and meaning of a sign in sign languages (ex: the sign for ‘baby’ in BSL)
modality
the form of expression for a language (ex: signing is the modality of sign language (visual) whereas speaking (hearing) is the modality of spoken languages.)
recursion definition
a linguistic unit of a certain type contains another linguistic unit of that same type (ex: the dog [of the man [with the hat]]
compositionality definition
meaning is created through the order of certain constituents– changing one can change the meaning of the word. (ex: boy -> toy)
language faculty
the knowledge of a language native speakers (of that language) have in their head– they know what is correct without really being able to explain why.
creativity definition
the ability to make new and unique sentences in a language
why is the written form of a language called ‘secondary’?
it’s based on the spoken form of the language
diachronic description (of a language)
from the perspective of change
synchronic description
representation of a language at a particular moment in time.
pedagogical grammar (learner’s grammar)
explains grammar rules for a purpose of teaching and learning, often has a prescriptive character and is usually presented in a step by step form, including exercises for practice.
