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Chapter Two

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38 views10 pages

Chapter Two

Uploaded by

an4555786
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Properties of

Language

language is intentional communication.


Communication
Communication can be categorized into
intentional and unintentional signals.
Unintentional signals, like body language or
appearance, convey information about
oneself unintentionally.
Communication
 Intentional communication, like specific
verbal statements, like "I'm one of the
applicants for the vacant position of senior
brain surgeon," is conveyed.
 A blackbird's squawking in response to a cat
signifies intentional communication.
Properties of Human Language
Human language possesses unique
properties that distinguish it from animal
communication:

1.Displacement:

Humans can communicate about past and


future events, as well as abstract concepts.
Animal communication typically lacks this
feature, being mostly confined to immediate
situations
Properties of Human Language
2. Arbitrariness:

The connection between words and their


meanings is generally arbitrary; there is no
inherent link between the form of a word and its
meaning. For example, the word "dog" does not
have a natural connection to the animal it
represents.

• In contrast, animal communication is described


in terms of fixed reference (limited set of vocal
or gestural forms.
Properties of Human Language
3. Cultural transmission:

Language is acquired socially and culturally


rather than inherited genetically.

For instance, a child raised by English-


speaking parents will learn English, regardless
of their biological heritage.

Language is learned (in a certain age) because


we have an innate predisposition to learn
it.
Properties of Human Language
4. Duality:

• Human language operates on two levels:


individual sounds and their combinations to
form meaningful words. This duality enables
a vast array of meanings from a limited set
of sounds.

• This allows speakers to use linguistic signs


in new combinations to generate entirely
new thoughts.
Properties of Human Language
5. Productivity:

• Humans can create new expressions and


utterances, allowing for infinite communication
possibilities. In contrast, animal communication
systems, like those of vervet monkeys, are limited
to fixed signals

• This allows speakers to use linguistic signs in new


combinations to generate entirely new thoughts.

• It allows you to say that which has never been said


and still be understood.
Duality and discreteness
• Sounds used to produce language are distinct from one
another (in our minds).
• Each sound or symbol in language can be recognized as
a separate entity, contributing to a larger meaning when
combined.
• Contrast voiced bilabial b with voiceless bilabial p.

• Language is organized on two levels:


• Distinct sounds – consonants and vowels (phonetics)
• Combined in multiple ways to produce infinite meaning
combinations (semantics)

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