Linguistics Vocab and Terms Flashcards
linguistic competence
The subconscious knowledge of grammar that allows a speaker to use and understand language.
linguistic performance
An individual’s use of language. What a speaker actually says including hesitations and errors.
performance error
Language errors made by learners. Errors result from learners’ lack of knowledge of the correct rules. Performance errors can also be made when learners are tired or rushed.
speech communication chain
The Speech Chain is made up of speech production, auditory feedback to speaker, speech transmission (auditory or electronic) to the listener, and speech perceptions and understanding by the listener.
speech communication chain steps
Linguistic Level
Physiological Level
Physical Level
First by the speaker and then by the listener.
noise
The variation among users of language. Can take place through shifts in spelling, grammar or other aspects of language.
lexicon
The knowledge that a native speaker has about a language.
Ex: -meanings of words and phrases
-appropriate use of
-relationships and categories of words and phrases
mental grammar
The system that all speakers of a language have in mind that allows them to understand each other.
Including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics.
language variation
Geographical, social, or contextual differences in the ways language is used.
Ex: “buck” is slang for “dollar”
descriptive grammar
A set of rules about language based on how it is actually used. There is no right or wrong.
Ex: “She goes” instead of “she says”.
Evidence that writing and language are NOT the same (list 4)
- Language requires speaking and listening skills while writing involves writing and reading skills.
- Language uses tone and pitch to encourage understanding, while writing uses punctuation.
- Language undergoes changes while writing is more permanent.
- Language is spontaneous and lacks organization while writing is organized and grammatical.
Reasons some people believe writing to be superior to speech (list 3)
- In the past, writing was regarded as a higher status because everyone could speak, but few could write.
- Writing is more complex and formal and without grammatical errors.
- Writing reduces misunderstanding as it is more accurately communicated.
prescriptive grammar
A set of rules about language based on how people believe it should be used. There is a right and wrong.
prescribe
Establishment of how language should be used instead of how it is actually used.
Charles Hockett’s nine design features
Mode of communication, semanticity, pragmatic function, interchangeability, cultural transmission arbitrariness, discreteness, displacement, and productivity.
mode of communication
The channel in which communication is expressed such as non-verbal, verbal, written, and visual.
semanticity
The property of language that allows it to represent ideas, events, or objects to communicate meaning.
pragmatic function
The meaning a speaker wishes to convey to the listener.
interchangeability
Anything one can hear, one can say regardless of truth.
cultural transmission
Idea that language is learned after birth in social settings.
arbitrariness
Not based on any principle, plan, or system.
linguistic sign
A combination of 2 elements: a form that it is (signifies) and the form that it refers to (signifier).
convention
Principle or norm that has been adopted.
Example: spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
non-arbitrariness
Not subject to individual determination.
iconic
similarity between form and its meaning.
onomatopoeia
The formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named (“boom”, “crack”).
conventionalized
Things that are normal, ordinary, and following that accepted way.
sound symbolism
The resemblance between sound and meaning.
the actual sound of a bell.
discreteness
The sounds used in language are meaningfully distinct.
displacement
Idea that humans can talk about things that are not physically present or that do not exist.
productivity
The idea that language users can produce and understand a large number of sentences.
modality
The choice of words used to express how definite we feel about something.
myths about signed language (list 4)
- Sign language is universal
- Everyone who is deaf can lipread
3.Its effective to communicate through notes - All deaf people sign
differences between codes and language (list 4)
- Code is a set of rules.
- Language is not defined by rules.
- Code cannot exist without language, but language can exist without code.
