Chapter_1词汇学.pptVIP

Chapter 1 Language, Linguistics and Lexicology 1-1-1: A Definition of Language What is language? Spir, an American linguist, wrote in 1921: “Language is a purely human and non-instinctive method of communicating ideas, emotions and desires by means of voluntarily produced symbols”. But the famous American linguist, Chomsky, gave a different definition when he wrote Syntactic Structure in 1957: “from now on I will consider a language to be a set (finite or infinite) of sentences, each finite in length and constructed out of a finite set of elements.” Many linguists have agreed to accept the view that language is, in essence, a system of symbols designed for the purpose of human communication. A language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols by means of which the members of a speech community communicate, interact, and transmit their culture. The systematic, conventional use of sounds, signs, or written symbols in a human society for communication and self-expression. The attributes: Language system ? vocal arbitrary a human activity non-instinctive a social activity related to culture changes For discussion and review: 1. How many languages are there in the world? (more than 5,000) 2. What is language? 3. How does human language differ from animal noises? (whale, dolphin, gorilla—man-sized, fierce, tree-climbing ape) 4. What distinguishes man as “the talking animal”? Why? 5. Why is it misleading to compare the use of language with the ability to eat, sleep and walk ? (instinctive) 1-1-2: Language, Society and Thought What is the relation between language, society and thought? Language ↓ A mirror ↓ A product ↓ A means of communication ↓ The cement of society ↓ Connected with man’s productive activity ↓ Grows and develops with that of a society ↓ Dies when society disappears ↓ Expresses man’s thought 1-2-1: A Definition of Linguistics Linguis