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Introduction To Language and Linguistics

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Earll Erving
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144 views10 pages

Introduction To Language and Linguistics

Class Presentation

Uploaded by

Earll Erving
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to

Language and
Linguistics
Language is the cornerstone of human communication. It shapes our
thoughts, culture, and society. Linguistics is the scientific study of
language, exploring its structure, use, and evolution.

This presentation introduces key concepts in linguistics. We'll examine


language structure and its importance in communication.

by Earll Erving
Overview of Linguistics
Definition Scope
Linguistics is the scientific It covers spoken, signed, and
study of language and its written languages. Linguistics
structure. It analyzes form, examines language at various
meaning, and context. levels, from sounds to
discourse.

Approaches
Linguistics uses both descriptive and theoretical approaches. It
draws from various disciplines like psychology, sociology, and
anthropology.
Importance of Language Structure

Communication
Structure enables clear and effective communication. It helps convey complex
ideas and emotions.

Cognitive Processing
Language structure shapes how we think. It influences our perception and
understanding of the world.

Cultural Identity
Structure reflects cultural values and norms. It preserves and transmits
cultural heritage.

Language Learning
Understanding structure facilitates language acquisition. It aids in learning
both native and foreign languages.
Branches of Linguistics

Phonology Syntax
Studies sound patterns in Analyzes sentence structure.
languages. Examines how sounds Explores rules for combining
function and interact. words into phrases and sentences.

Semantics Sociolinguistics
Focuses on meaning in language. Examines language in social
Investigates how meaning is contexts. Studies how social
constructed and interpreted. factors influence language use.
Phonology and Phonetics
Phonetics Phonology Importance

Studies physical properties of speech Examines sound patterns within Crucial for understanding speech
sounds. Analyzes articulation, languages. Investigates how sounds production and perception. Essential
acoustics, and perception of sounds. function and interact in a language in language teaching, speech
system. therapy, and technology
development.
Morphology and Syntax
1 Morphology
Studies word formation and internal structure. Analyzes
morphemes, the smallest units of meaning.

2 Syntax
Examines sentence structure and word order.
Investigates rules for combining words into phrases
and sentences.

3 Interaction
Morphology and syntax work together. They shape how
words and sentences convey meaning.
Semantics and Pragmatics
Aspect Semantics Pragmatics

Focus Literal meaning Contextual meaning

Scope Words and sentences Utterances in context

Questions What does it mean? How is it used?


Language Acquisition
1 Infancy (0-1 year)
Babbling and first words. Recognition of speech sounds and
intonation patterns.

2 Toddlerhood (1-3 years)


Rapid vocabulary growth. Two-word combinations and simple
sentences emerge.

3 Early Childhood (3-5 years)


Complex sentence structures. Mastery of basic grammar rules.

4 School Age (5+ years)


Advanced language skills. Literacy development and metalinguistic
awareness.
Language Variation and
Change
1 Geographical Variation 2 Social Variation
Sociolects emerge based on
Dialects and regional accents social class, age, and gender.
reflect local cultures. They They signal group identity and
evolve due to geographical social status.
isolation and social factors.

3 Historical Change 4 Language Contact


Languages evolve over time. Interaction between
Sound changes, grammatical languages leads to borrowing
shifts, and vocabulary and pidgins. It can result in
innovations occur. new language varieties.
Language Activities
Phoneme Recognition Morpheme Analysis
Identify minimal pairs in Break down complex words
words. Practice distinguishing into morphemes. Explore how
between similar sounds in affixes change word
different languages. meanings.

Syntax Tree Drawing Pragmatic Role-play


Create syntax trees for Act out conversations in
sentences. Analyze sentence different contexts. Observe
structure and grammatical how meaning changes based
relationships. on situation.

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