Chapter 1: From Language to Linguistics

Question 1

Compositionality

Answer 1

The fact that a combination of sounds give a single element meaning.

Question 2

Recursion

Answer 2

The phenomenon where a linguistic unit of a certain type consists another linguistic unit of the same type.

Question 3

Constructed languages

Answer 3

Languages that have been consciously and deliberately designed by humans.

Question 4

Computer languages

Answer 4

Languages used for writing computer programs and for giving instructions to computers.

Question 5

Spoken languages

Answer 5

Languages produced by using the tongue, lips and vocal chords, and is heard though the ears.

Question 6

Sign languages

Answer 6

Languages that are produced by using the hands, and received with the eyes.

Question 7

Modality

Answer 7

The way in which something exists or is done.

Question 8

Descriptive grammar

Answer 8

Grammar as written by a linguist that describes the rules for all varieties of the language.

Question 9

Prescriptive grammar

Answer 9

Grammar that prescribes which forms of a language are good and which are not.

Question 10

Diachronic description

Answer 10

A representation of the changes in a linguistic system between two points in time.

Question 11

Synchronic description

Answer 11

A representation of a language at one particular moment in time.

Question 12

Pedagogical grammar

Answer 12

Learners grammar, which explains the rules of a language for the per pose of teaching and learning.

Question 13

Universals

Answer 13

Properties that are shared by all languages.