S2 Approaches to Language II

Question 1

ways of approaching language

synchronic vs. diachronic

Answer 1

describing language at a particular point/period in time vs. investigating linguistic change “through time”

Question 2

ways of approaching language

descriptive vs. prescriptive

Answer 2

observing particular aspects of language use in a neutral way vs. adopting a normative perspective and formulating rules for “correct” language use

Question 3

ways of approaching language

language-specific vs. comparative

Answer 3

focusing on linguistic phenomena in one particular language vs. comparing two or more languages to discover converging or similar patterns (or even language universals, as in typology)

Question 4

ways of approaching language

theoretical vs. applied

Answer 4

theoretical frameworks on questions of more general interest regarding how language is structured and used, how it changes etc. vs. application of linguistic knowledge

Question 5

ways of approaching language

introspective vs. empirical

Answer 5

relying on introspection vs. using authentic language data as the basis of research –> use of corpora

Question 6

major research traditions

structuralism

Answer 6

• language as overarching structure; units of language are analysed in terms of their relationships within and to the system
• focus: synchronic description of the language system
• Saussure: linguistic sign, Ogden/Richards: semiotic triangle

Question 7

major research traditions

functionalism

Answer 7

• units of language have certain functions; these functions and meanings explain the linguistic system and its structures
• focus: the search for motivations of particular language choices in certain contexts
• Bühler: organon model, Jakobson: six functions of language

Question 8

major research traditions

formalism

Answer 8

• units of language are combined into larger strings following rules; meanings and functions are structured by syntax
• focus: the detection of structures, processes, and acquisition of human language, focus on shared (bio-) linguistics features > language universals
• Chomsky: generative grammar, phrase structure rules