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Linguistics 2.0 > Intro to linguistics > Flashcards

Intro to linguistics Flashcards

1
Q

linguist definition

A
  1. person who knows several foreign languages well
  2. person who studies languages or linguistics
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2
Q

language definition

A

a system of arbitrary and conventional vocal signs
human beings use it to communicate

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3
Q

the linguistic sign

A

signified (concept) x signifier (sound sequence)
- reciprocal relationship between them

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4
Q

linguistic sign traits

A
  1. arbitrary
  2. conventional
  3. reciprocal
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5
Q

arbitrary trait

A
  • connection between signified and signifier is unmotivated
  • no reason why signifier represents a certain signified
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6
Q

conventional trait

A
  • connection between signified and signifier is based on an agreement between speakers
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7
Q

reciprocal trait

A
  • signifier evokes the signified
  • we visualise the mental concept via signifier and vice versa
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8
Q

alternative concept of signs

A

Pierce
- some signs are only partly motivated
- need a more detailed classification of linguistic and non-linguistic signs
-> more categories
icons, symbols, index
arbitrary, similarity, effect-cause

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9
Q

language as a system

A

structuralism: language = complex, closed system
- elements have relationships within it, they have their place in the system
choice and chain: elements can have a paradigmatic (choice) or syntagmatic (chain) relationship

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10
Q

human language features (Hockett’s 16 design features)

A
  • arbitrariness
  • productivity
    -discreteness
  • duality of patterning
  • traditional transmission
  • displacement
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11
Q

arbitrariness (Hockett’s 16 design features)

A
  • sign and its meaning have no inherent relationship
  • it was established randomly
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12
Q

productivity (Hockett’s 16 design features)

A
  • language as an open system
    -> can produce countless of different messages by combining elements
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13
Q

discreteness (Hockett’s 16 design features)

A
  • language consists of discrete units
    (e.g. = phonemes)
  • can be exchanged and cause change in meaning of the sign
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14
Q

duality of patterning (Hockett’s 16 design features)

A

2 types of elements exist:
1. the smallest meaningful (morpheme)
2. the minimal meaningless but differentiating (phonemes)

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15
Q

traditional transmission (Hockett’s 16 design features)

A
  • new generations of speakers learn the system of communication/language from a preceding gen
    -> language is passed down
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16
Q

displacement (Hockett’s 16 design features)

A

= communication about things and events that are distant in time and space

17
Q

linguistics definition

A

= science, study of language

18
Q

fields of linguistics

A

phonetics and phonology
morphology
syntax
semantics
pragmatics

19
Q

langue x parole

A

langue = abstract language system shared by all speakers
parole = concrete/practical use of a language (realization) by an individual

20
Q

phonetics

A

study of speech sounds

21
Q

phonology

A

study of sound system of a language

22
Q

morphology

A

study of creation, structure, form of words

23
Q

syntax

A

study of structural units > 1 word
- relations between signs

24
Q

semantics

A

study of word and sentence meaning
- relations between sign and meaning
what is said

25
Q

pragmatics

A

study of meaning in context
- relation between sign and user
what is meant

26
Q

linguistic approaches

A

synchronic x diachronic
descriptive x prescriptive
empirical x introspective
applied x proper

27
Q

synchronic approach

A
  • looks at a language at a particular point or period in time
28
Q

diachronic approach

A
  • looks at a language change through time
29
Q

descriptive approach

A
  • neutral description of actual language use (in speech)
30
Q

prescriptive approach

A
  • normative approach, formulates rules, the correct language use
31
Q

empirical approach

A
  • analysis based on authentic data
32
Q

introspective approach

A
  • analysis based on intuitions
33
Q

applied linguistics

A
  • insights used for practical purpose
    e.g. teaching, jurisdiction
34
Q

proper linguistics

A
  • aims to understand the language

Linguistics 2.0 (3 decks)

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