1. What is language (Definitions)

2. Objectives of Linguistics

1. Human language peculiarities

3.2 Communicative versus informative

3.3 Unique properties of the human language

Project

Language origin (most popular theories)

Key terms: linguistics, communicative signals, informative signals, displacement, duality, arbitrariness, discreteness, cultural transmission, productivity, reciprocity, specialization, non-directionality, rapid fade

REFERENCE LITERATURE

1. Huddleston, R. English Grammar: An Outline. – Cambridge: CUP, 1988

2. Lehman, Winfred. Language: An Introduction. – NY: Random House, 1993

3. Todd, L. An Introduction to Linguistics. – Longman: York Press, 1987

4. Yule, G. The Study of Language. – CUP, 1996

Study questions

1. What is language (Definitions)

Language is the man’s most important means of communication. Due to this fact it is not surprising that in the modern world of new technologies and the Internet advance the problems of communication are increasing in importance. Moreover, the development of the language sciences is resulting in an increasing response from a wide range of disciplines which are looking towards to linguistics for assistance in solving some of their communication problems.

We all speak and use language – but how much do we know about language, its use and functions?

We tend to take language for granted rather like the environment that surrounds us like the atmosphere, the force of gravity and other natural phenomena. Language, however, is not a natural phenomenon: it is a creation of man’s social needs. Language and human culture are intimately related and the one is indispensable to the other. In fact society depends upon language for its very existence.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines the word language as:

1. human & non-instinctive method of communicating ideas, feelings & desires by means of a system of sounds & sound symbols;

2. Form of language used by a group e.g. the language of Asia;

3. Manner of using words e.g. a good command of language;

4. Words, phrases, etc. Used by a profession or class e.g. the language of diplomacy; technical language.

The Longman Dictionary defines it as:

1. the system of human expression by means of words in speech & writing.

2. A particular system of words, as used by a people or nation;

3. Any system of sings, movements, etc., used to express meanings & feelings e.g. the language of music / mathematics / computer

(The use of the word “tongue” in the definition reminds us that) L. Exists in spoken as well as written forms. The word “language” itself is used in many different ways. We may speak of “The English language”, “The language of mathematics”. We refer to the Morse Code as ”a language of dots and dashes” or talk about “The dancing language of the bees”.

The uses of the word “language” are so varied that any attempt at definition inevitably poses problems. Among the many definitions put forward by linguists one of the best known and most comprehensive is that of the linguistic philosopher Sapir: “Language is a purely human and non-instinctive method of communicating ideas, emotions and desires by means of a system of voluntarily produced symbols”. (Sapir E. Language, Harcourt, New York, 1921, p.7)