Language:

- system of signs (paradigmatic relations)

- usage of signs (syntagmatic relations) – selection and purpose

Language is a workable system of signs, that is linguistic forms by means of which people communicate. (Bloomfield) Language - is a system of signs.(F.de Saussure). Collective body of knowledge, a set of basic elements- sounds, morphemes, words, word-groups. System of phonetical, lexical, grammatical units. Language and speech are inseparable, they form organic unity. Speech is individual. Language is common for all individuals.

Speech1.a. The act of speaking. b. The act of expressing or describing thoughts, feelings, or perceptions by the articulation of words.2. Something spoken; an utterance.3. Vocal communication; conversation. Is result of using language. Comprises both:The act of producing utterances and the utterances themselves. The manifestation of language.

Communication. The act of communicating; transmission. The exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, signals, writing, or behavior. Communication is when information is passed from a sender to a recipient using a medium. There are different media that can be used:

Visual communication (using mimics or gestures)

Communicating with sounds (like human language, but may also be the barking of a dog)

Communication using touch

Using smell

Using writing

Communication can be spoken (a word) or non-spoken (a smile). Communication has many ways, and happens all the time. Not only humans communicate, most other animals do too. Some communication is done without thinking, such as by changing in posture.

Discourse – is a text implemented in reality (includes cultural and personal elements).

Discourse – is sub-style of oral communication.

Differentiating features of discourse:

Contextuality (actions plus non-actions)

Personalization (overlaps of participant’s minds, defining common grounds)

Process duration (discourse emerges from activity)

Closed structure of discourse (limited by the above mentioned factors) – anybody can perceive it, but not create it.

Approaches to discourse:

Formal – discourse is a unit which is larger than a sentence.

Functional – language use with all its variety.

Situational – language used under circumstances (personal, social, cultural).