Metalanguage Flashcards
Taboo
Words or subjects that are distasteful, frightening, or make people feel uncomfortable.
Euphemism
Polite or sweet-sounding terms and phrases that are substituted for harsh or abrasive or offensive terms. For example: ‘Gone to heaven’ instead of ‘dead’
Dysphemism
Being harsh, abusive or offensive as a substitute for a less offensive term. For example: ‘Nazi’ for strict person.
Phonology
The study of the sounds of language
Lexicology
The study of words.
Morphology
The study of the formation of words.
Syntax
How words, phrases and clauses are put together to form sentences and text.
Semantics
The study of the meaning of language.
Discourse
The text.
Register
Language according to use.
Context
The situation or circumstances in which the discourse or utterance takes place.
Etymology
The study of the history of words and word origins.
Discourse
Sequences of language that are longer than a sentence, also referred to as the conversation or text.
Domain
A sphere of activity, concern, interest or field eg: home, work, the law, school etc.
Audience/interlocutors
Conversational partner, or the people involved in the communication.
