Linguistics Vocab and Terms

Question 1

linguistic competence

Answer 1

The subconscious knowledge of grammar that allows a speaker to use and understand language.

Question 2

linguistic performance

Answer 2

An individual’s use of language. What a speaker actually says including hesitations and errors.

Question 3

performance error

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

speech communication chain

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

speech communication chain steps

Answer 5

Linguistic Level
Physiological Level
Physical Level
First by the speaker and then by the listener.

Question 6

noise

Answer 6

The variation among users of language. Can take place through shifts in spelling, grammar or other aspects of language.

Question 7

lexicon

Answer 7

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

Question 8

mental grammar

Answer 8

The system that all speakers of a language have in mind that allows them to understand each other.

Including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics.

Question 9

language variation

Answer 9

Geographical, social, or contextual differences in the ways language is used.

Ex: “buck” is slang for “dollar”

Question 10

descriptive grammar

Answer 10

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”.

Question 11

Evidence that writing and language are NOT the same (list 4)

Answer 11

1. Language requires speaking and listening skills while writing involves writing and reading skills.
2. Language uses tone and pitch to encourage understanding, while writing uses punctuation.
3. Language undergoes changes while writing is more permanent.
4. Language is spontaneous and lacks organization while writing is organized and grammatical.

Question 12

Reasons some people believe writing to be superior to speech (list 3)

Answer 12

1. In the past, writing was regarded as a higher status because everyone could speak, but few could write.
2. Writing is more complex and formal and without grammatical errors.
3. Writing reduces misunderstanding as it is more accurately communicated.

Question 13

prescriptive grammar

Answer 13

A set of rules about language based on how people believe it should be used. There is a right and wrong.

Question 14

prescribe

Answer 14

Establishment of how language should be used instead of how it is actually used.

Question 15

Charles Hockett’s nine design features

Answer 15

Mode of communication, semanticity, pragmatic function, interchangeability, cultural transmission arbitrariness, discreteness, displacement, and productivity.

Question 16

mode of communication

Answer 16

The channel in which communication is expressed such as non-verbal, verbal, written, and visual.

Question 17

semanticity

Answer 17

The property of language that allows it to represent ideas, events, or objects to communicate meaning.

Question 18

pragmatic function

Answer 18

The meaning a speaker wishes to convey to the listener.

Question 19

interchangeability

Answer 19

Anything one can hear, one can say regardless of truth.

Question 20

cultural transmission

Answer 20

Idea that language is learned after birth in social settings.

Question 21

arbitrariness

Answer 21

Not based on any principle, plan, or system.

Question 22

linguistic sign

Answer 22

A combination of 2 elements: a form that it is (signifies) and the form that it refers to (signifier).

Question 23

convention

Answer 23

Principle or norm that has been adopted.

Example: spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.

Question 24

non-arbitrariness

Answer 24

Not subject to individual determination.

Question 25

iconic

Answer 25

similarity between form and its meaning.

Question 26

onomatopoeia

Answer 26

The formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named (“boom”, “crack”).

Question 27

conventionalized

Answer 27

Things that are normal, ordinary, and following that accepted way.

Question 28

sound symbolism

Answer 28

The resemblance between sound and meaning.

the actual sound of a bell.

Question 29

discreteness

Answer 29

The sounds used in language are meaningfully distinct.

Question 30

displacement

Answer 30

Idea that humans can talk about things that are not physically present or that do not exist.

Question 31

productivity

Answer 31

The idea that language users can produce and understand a large number of sentences.

Question 32

modality

Answer 32

The choice of words used to express how definite we feel about something.

Question 33

myths about signed language (list 4)

Answer 33

1. Sign language is universal
2. Everyone who is deaf can lipread
   3.Its effective to communicate through notes
3. All deaf people sign

Question 34

differences between codes and language (list 4)

Answer 34

1. Code is a set of rules.
2. Language is not defined by rules.
3. Code cannot exist without language, but language can exist without code.