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Definitions and Characteristics of Language

The document provides an overview of a language lesson. It defines language and discusses its characteristics. Key points include that language has a system of rules, a sound system, and vocabulary. It notes that while animals communicate, they do not have language. Characteristics discussed are that language is arbitrary, conventional, symbolic, systematic, dynamic, unique, complex, and modifiable over time.

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272 views28 pages

Definitions and Characteristics of Language

The document provides an overview of a language lesson. It defines language and discusses its characteristics. Key points include that language has a system of rules, a sound system, and vocabulary. It notes that while animals communicate, they do not have language. Characteristics discussed are that language is arbitrary, conventional, symbolic, systematic, dynamic, unique, complex, and modifiable over time.

Uploaded by

葉長榮
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 28

Good morning!

Mr. Joshua Eriberto


Miguel G. Llames

1
DEFINITIONS AND
CHARACTERISTICS OF
LANGUAGE
OBJECTIVES

A. Create a synthesis of definition of language.

B. Explain the different characteristics of language.

C. Compose an essay about characteristics of language.

3
I want you to go to https://www.menti.com/z9j9qoj4c1.
Answer the question.

What do you think of“


when you hear the word
'language'?

4
Definitions of language

5
◈ language is the inherent
◈ language is a speech capability of the native ◈ language is purely
speakers to understand human
sound produced by and form grammatical
human beings in sentences. -Sapir
order to express -Chomsky
their ideas,
◈ language is
emotions, thoughts, ◈ Language is an undoubtedly a kind of
desires and feelings. arbitrary system of signs means of communication
-Aristotle constituted of the among human beings.
signifier and signified. -Derbyshire
-Saussure
6
What exactly is language?
Linguists agree that a language can only be called a
language if:

 system of rules (grammar)


 sound system (phonology)
 vocabulary (lexicon)

7
I want you to go to https://www.menti.com/th9qfokk4e.
Answer the question.

“
Do animals have
language ?

8
Let’s try to qualify…
◈ Cats meow.. Wolves howl… dogs bark… birds chirp…

system of rules (grammar) x


sound system (phonology) x
vocabulary (lexicon) x
Animals do not have language but only a system of
communication.
9
Characteristics of language

10
LANGUAGE IS ARBITRARY

◈ there is no inherent connection between


the nature of things or concepts the
language deals with.

11
LANGUAGE IS ARBITRARY

12
LANGUAGE IS CONVENTIONAL

◈ Language is the means accepted by a


large number of people.

13
LANGUAGE IS SYMBOLIC

◈ Language is a collection of symbols


which possess certain properties.

◈ Language consists of a system of


arbitrary or conventional signs.

14
LANGUAGE IS SYMBOLIC

CAT
sign
can be separated into two
components

sounds or letters a small furry domestic animal


(signifier) (signified)

15
LANGUAGE IS SYSTEMATIC

◈ In spite of the fact that language is


symbolic, its symbols are arranged in
specific systems.

16
LANGUAGE IS SYSTEMATIC
That is why we say:

I love you.
And not:
Love you I.
I you love.
17
LANGUAGE IS DYNAMIC

◈ Language changes over time.

Where art thou? Where are you?


Girl a child or young person of either sex

Aba Ginoong Maria


18
LANGUAGE IS UNIQUE, COMPLEX AND
MODIFIABLE

◈ Every language has its own


characteristics and distinctive features
and has potentiality to be unique,
complex and modifiable by the change of
time and culture.
19
LANGUAGE IS UNIQUE, COMPLEX AND
MODIFIABLE
DIFFERENT TERMS FOR RICE IN PHILIPPINES
Bigas Rice
Kanin Rice
Tutong Scorched Rice
Sinangag Fried Rice

20
LANGUAGE IS UNIQUE, COMPLEX AND
MODIFIABLE
DIFFERENT TERMS FOR SNOW BY ESKIMOS
qanuk: ‘snowflake’
kaneq: ‘frost’
kanevvluk: ‘fine snow’
qanikcaq: ‘snow on ground’
muruaneq: ‘soft deep snow’
nutaryuk: ‘fresh snow’
21
 LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
While growing up, people acquire the languages used by those in the community.
 MOTHER TONGUE
the languages acquired while growing up which may also be referred to as first
languages.
 SECOND LANGUAGE
People discover later on that other languages are needed for various reasons.
 LANGUAGE LEARNING
People learn these languages by studying formally in school or informally on their own.

22
Any questions?

23
Read the following statements. Decide if the
statement is true or false. Write T on the blank
if the statement is true. If the statement is
false, re-write or revise it to make it true.

24
1. Not all languages have a grammar system.
All languages have a grammar system.

T 2. Change happens to all languages.

3. All living creatures have the capacity for language.


Not all living creatures have the capacity for language.

T 4. The word ‘dog’ is already a symbol.

25
Answer the questions below.

1. What is your definition of language?

2. Compose an essay explaining why (provide


examples)
 language is dynamic?
 language is considered unique?
 language is unique to humans?
26
Thanks for listening!

27
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