TSL3101: INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTICS

Language is:a

systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use of conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures, or marks having understood meanings (Websters Third New International Dictionary of the English Language 1961)

Language is:a

system of arbitrary, vocal symbols which permit all people in a given culture, or other people who have learned the system of that culture, to communicate or to interact (Finocchiaro 1964)

 any

set or system of linguistic symbols as used in a more or less uniform fashion by a number of people who are thus enabled to communicate intelligibly with one another (Random House Dictionary of the English Language 1966)

system of communication by sound, operating through the organs of speech and hearing, among members of a given community, and using vocal symbols possessing arbitrary conventional meanings (Pei 1996)

In composite, language: is systematic and generative is a set of arbitrary symbols those symbols are primarily vocal, but may also be visual the symbols have conventionalized meanings to which they refer is used for communication operates in a speech community or culture is essentially human, although possibly not limited to humans is acquired by all people in much the same way

Two main functions: A. Interactional Functions To interact socially and emotionally To indicate friendliness co-operation hostility annoyance pain pleasure

Examples of Interactional functions: 1. Emotional expression

Emotive or expressive function of language can be used whether or not we are alone. Expressing insult, compliment, anger, happiness, sadness, disappointment angry or frustrated state; swear words and obscenities Expressing appreciation to poetry, literature, paintings involuntary verbal reaction to breathtaking scenery emotional outpourings of poetry

2. Social interaction i. Language used to maintain relationship rapport between people A means of avoiding embarrassing situations. Good morning; and Pleased to meet you Lovely day; How are you? ii. No factual content involved Phatic communion - basic need to signal friendship - social function

(anthropologist Bronislow Malinoswki)

3. Directive - language of social control persuasion - advertising, sermons, preaching, order Examples: i Sit up straight ii Pass the milk please iii Arent you feeling hot? meaning take off the coat iv You make a good door meaning get out of the way

4. Informative most people think this is the primary function of language Examples: It is six oclock Shes almost five years old My favourite colour is red

B. Transactional functions To communicate knowledge, skills and information

Transfer of knowledge from one generation to another Transfer remains fairly restricted in time and space; can only be realised in speech

Supernatural beliefs involve to roll the forces which believers feel affect their lives
For example: various prayers and formulae directed at God, gods, devils, spirits, objects & other physical forces - always in highly distinctive forms of language

1. Recording the facts Recording facts displays greater degree of organisation, impersonality, & explicitness.
Examples: historical records, geographical surveys, business accounts, scientific reports, parliamentary acts & public data bank

2. Instrument of thought To speak thoughts aloud helps concentration Example: performing mathematical calculations in their head Sub-vocal form move lips but no sound comes out of them

3. The expression of identity In social situations language unites rather than informs Use of language can tell listeners /readers a great deal about speakers A major function of language is the expression of personal identity Multifunctional utterances are normal and frequent E.g. Your son is a bully (informative, expressive, directive) Ill see you at ten in my office (informative, directive)