LECTURE 1 introduction to linguistic

Question 1

language ( definition)

Answer 1

a complex system of communication involving symbols, sounds, gestures, or written characters used by humans to convey meaning.

Question 2

Major developments in linguistic study: history of the Western world

Evolution of Linguistic Theories:

Answer 2

From ancient times to modern eras, linguistic theories have evolved, including structuralism, generative grammar, cognitive linguistics, etc.

Question 3

Major developments in linguistic study: history of the Western world

Schools of Thought:

Answer 3

Emergence of various schools of linguistic thought like the Prague School, American Structuralism, etc.

Question 4

Major developments in linguistic study: history of the Western world

Advancements in Understanding Language:

Answer 4

Progress in understanding syntax, semantics, phonetics, historical linguistics, and sociolinguistics.

Question 5

Better understanding of major disciplines

Phonology:

Answer 5

Study of sounds within languages and their systematic organization.

Question 6

Better understanding of major disciplines

Morphology:

Answer 6

Analysis of the structure of words and their formation.

Question 8

Better understanding of major disciplines

Semantics:

Answer 8

Examination of meaning in language and how words convey specific concepts.

Question 9

Better understanding of major disciplines

Syntax:

Answer 9

Study of sentence structure and grammar.

Question 10

Better understanding of major disciplines

Pragmatics:

Answer 10

Exploration of language in context and its practical use.

Question 11

Better understanding of major disciplines

Historical Linguistics:

Answer 11

Investigation into the evolution and changes in languages over time.

Question 12

Language Usage Meaning:

Definition:

Answer 12

1. Language usage pertains to how language is employed or understood in various contexts.

Examples:
* Baby Talk: Infants imitating and learning from their parents’ language.
* Bees: Communicating through specific body movements, such as “twerking.”
* Monkeys: Emitting different sounds to signal specific predators.

Question 13

Characteristics of Human Language:

Displacement:

Answer 13

Uniquely human ability to discuss abstract, distant, or nonexistent topics.

Question 14

Characteristics of Human Language:

Cultural Transmission:

Answer 14

Human infants acquire language through exposure; lack of exposure results in no instinctive language development.

Question 15

Characteristics of Human Language:

Productivity:

Answer 15

Remarkable human capacity to create novel and innovative linguistic expressions.

Question 16

Human Language vs. Animal Communication:

Contrast:

Answer 16

• While babies and animals communicate, older humans uniquely possess complex language capabilities.
• Animals might convey messages but lack the depth and creativity found in human language expressio