Linguistics and the scientific study of language

Question 1

linguist

Answer 1

1) a person who knows several foreign languages
2) a person who studies language or linguistics

Question 2

language

Answer 2

a system of arbitrary and conventional vocal signs by means human beings communicate

Question 3

the linguistic sign

Answer 3

signified (concept) X signifier (sound sequence)
they have a reciprocal relationship

Question 4

characteristics of the linguistic sign

Answer 4

1. arbitrary
2. conventional
3. reciprocal

Question 5

arbitrary

Answer 5

sound (word) is associated with a specific thing in language

Question 6

conventional

Answer 6

the relationship between signifier and signified is based upon implicit “agreement” between the speakers of speech communities

Question 7

reciprocal

Answer 7

the signifier (the string of sound) evokes the signified (the thing) and vice versa

Question 8

alternative concept of signs (Pierce)

Answer 8

1. reason - partly motivated signs
2. solution - more detailed classification of linguistic and nonlinguistic signs

Question 9

language as system

Answer 9

1. structuralism - language as a complex, closed system
2. choice and chain - relationships between individual elements (paradigmatic= choice; syntagmatic= chain)

Question 10

selection of Hockett’s 16 design features

Answer 10

1. arbitrariness
2. productivity
3. discretness
4. duality of patterning
5. traditional transmission
6. displacement

Question 11

arbitrariness

Answer 11

arbitrary relationship between a sign and its meaning (based on convention) -> no inherent relationship

Question 12

productivity

Answer 12

language as an open system -> production of an infinite number of different messages by combining elements

Question 13

discreteness

Answer 13

language consists of discrete units (e.g. phonemes) which can be exchanged and cause a change in meaning of the signal

Question 14

duality of patterning

Answer 14

= double articulation
language consists of two types of elements
1. smallest meaningful element (morphemes)
2. minimal meaningless but differentiating elements (phonemes)

Question 15

traditional transmission

Answer 15

each generation of speakers must learn the system of communication from the preceeding generation

Question 16

displacement

Answer 16

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

Question 17

what is linguistics

Answer 17

a scientific discipline concerned with the study of language
language is studied: rationally and systematically; objectively, validly and reliably

Question 18

fields of linguistics

Answer 18

1. phonetics and phonology
2. morphology
3. syntax
4. semantics
5. pragmatics

Question 19

phonetics

Answer 19

study of speech sounds

Question 20

phonology

Answer 20

study of sound system of a language

Question 21

morphology

Answer 21

study of the creation, structure and form of words

Question 22

syntax

Answer 22

study of structural units larger than one word
relations between linguistic signs

Question 23

semantics

Answer 23

relations between signs and their meaning
study of word and sentence meaning (what is said)

Question 24

pragmatics

Answer 24

relations between signs and their users
study of meaning in context (what is meant)

Question 25

langue vs parole

Answer 25

abstract language system shared by all members of a speech community
vs
concrete use of the language by the individual speaker

Question 26

synchronic vs diachronic

Answer 26

complementation patterns of provide in present day english
vs
linguistic change through time

Question 27

descriptive vs prescriptive

Answer 27

neutral description of actual language use
vs
normative approach which formulates rules for “correct” language use

Question 28

applied linguistics vs linguistics proper

Answer 28

linguistic insights used for practical purposes (teaching, jurisdiction,…)
vs
to understand language without any external purpose