Defining Language

Question 1

What is an Arbitrary Symbol

Answer 1

No natural connection between a word and its meaning
ex. “tree”

Question 2

What is Linguistic Competence

Answer 2

An individuals ability to recognize whether or not a word belongs in their native language or not

Question 3

Linguistics have two main attitudes towards grammar, they are:

Answer 3

Prescriptivism, and Descriptivism

Question 4

What are some Universal similarities between the systems of all language?

Answer 4

1. Questions
2. The ability to relay negative statements
3. More consonants than vowels
4. similar word categories for descriptor’s

Question 5

Define Descriptivism

Answer 5

• Looking at how language is ACTUALLY USED
• Consideration of every dialect to be equal

Question 6

Define Prescriptivism

Answer 6

• Assessment of HOW LANGUAGE SHOULD BE USED
• Rooted in socioeconomic and cultural motives
• Governs rules on how language should be spoken (BOO)