Nature of language

Question 1

What is language

Answer 1

Language is distinct, a human activity that aids in the transmission of feelings and thoughts from one person to another. It is how we express what we think or feel—through sounds and/or symbols (spoken or written words), signs,
posture, and gestures that convey a certain meaning.

Question 2

Specific Objectives

Answer 2

To review and develop the student’s capability in the use of Basic
English Grammar requirements.
● To expose students to the principle of clear, effective writing.
● To provide students with opportunities to practice writing in the
various formats associated with business communication.
● To provide opportunities for students to develop their language
skills and Excel being a good communicator.

Question 3

How did Languages evolve?

Answer 3

Languages evolve much as organisms do, with isolated populations diverging in
vocabulary, words changing to suit different functions, and some languages ultimately
going extinct.
Of the nearly 7000 languages spoken on Earth today, 90 per cent are expected to be
gone by the middle of this century.

Question 4

All functions of Language

Answer 4

1. Means of conveying information and communication,
2. Social relationship - phatic communication
3. Instrument of action
4. Emotional expression
5. Marker of groups to include or exclude others
6. Expression of identity
7. For fun

Question 5

Five main functions of language

Answer 5

Informational (to convey information)
Expressive (to express emotions)
Directive 9 to give orders, commands)
Aesthetic (to create artistic effects)
Phathic (to maintain social bonds)

Question 6

Language can be

Answer 6

Subjective- One word describing an object
may very well be
another—such as the lead
could as easily have been
assigned as leading to guide
someone.
Structured -There is a pattern of organization that takes an identifiable shape.
The patterns are familiar enough to
be identifiable to all other users of
that language. Language has basic building blocks that set it aside from other forms of
communication.
Communicative -is a
willingness to dispense information.
Dynamic - means
that language has the ability to
evolve and never repeat the
same phrase with the same
meaning in the same way
without doing so on purpose.
Perspective-The human mind, however,
processes language the same
regardless of language
differences. From Babbling to speaking,
the mind associates things
with words to provide
perspective and
understanding.

Question 7

Basic elements of language

Answer 7

AUDIENCE- Who the language is directed
to, the relationship between
participants. The situation that surrounds
it, setting, social and cultural
surroundings that influence the
language used.
EXPRESSION- The words, phrases and
sentences used.
CONTENT- The meaning carried in words,
phrases and sentences.
FUNCTION- Purpose or intention of
communication and language
used.

Question 8

Language Science

Answer 8

WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR BRAINS WHEN WE LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE
Specific brain areas increase in size and function, including Broca’s area, which is usually in the left hemisphere and involved in language
production. When children grow up bilingual, both languages are processed in the same area. Yet when adults learn a second language, a
separate area develops close to the first.
Learning a new language improves brain function, providing better memory, more mental flexibility and creativity, and can even delay the
onset of dementia.