Linguistics and the scientific study of language Flashcards

1
Q

linguist

A

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

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2
Q

language

A

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

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3
Q

the linguistic sign

A

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

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4
Q

characteristics of the linguistic sign

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

arbitrary

A

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

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6
Q

conventional

A

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

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7
Q

reciprocal

A

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

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8
Q

alternative concept of signs (Pierce)

A
  1. reason - partly motivated signs
  2. solution - more detailed classification of linguistic and nonlinguistic signs
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9
Q

language as system

A
  1. structuralism - language as a complex, closed system
  2. choice and chain - relationships between individual elements (paradigmatic= choice; syntagmatic= chain)
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10
Q

selection of Hockett’s 16 design features

A
  1. arbitrariness
  2. productivity
  3. discretness
  4. duality of patterning
  5. traditional transmission
  6. displacement
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11
Q

arbitrariness

A

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

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12
Q

productivity

A

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

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13
Q

discreteness

A

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

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14
Q

duality of patterning

A

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

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15
Q

traditional transmission

A

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

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16
Q

displacement

A

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

17
Q

what is linguistics

A

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

18
Q

fields of linguistics

A
  1. phonetics and phonology
  2. morphology
  3. syntax
  4. semantics
  5. pragmatics
19
Q

phonetics

A

study of speech sounds

20
Q

phonology

A

study of sound system of a language

21
Q

morphology

A

study of the creation, structure and form of words

22
Q

syntax

A

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

23
Q

semantics

A

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

24
Q

pragmatics

A

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

25
langue vs parole
abstract language system shared by all members of a speech community vs concrete use of the language by the individual speaker
26
synchronic vs diachronic
complementation patterns of provide in present day english vs linguistic change through time
27
descriptive vs prescriptive
neutral description of actual language use vs normative approach which formulates rules for "correct" language use
28
applied linguistics vs linguistics proper
linguistic insights used for practical purposes (teaching, jurisdiction,...) vs to understand language without any external purpose