英语语言学new.pptVIP

Chapter 1 Language and Linguistics language 1.What is language? Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication. Language is a system: elements in it are not arranged and combined randomly, but according to some rules and principles. Language is arbitrary in the sense that there is no intrinsic connection between the word and the object. language is vocal because the primary medium for all languages is sound. Language is a symbol----words are just the symbols associated with objects, actions, ideas by convention. Language is used for human communication-it is human-specific; that is, it is very different from the communication systems other forms of life possess, such as bird songs and bee dances. 2.Design features of language Arbitrariness 任意性 Duality 二层性 Creativity\productivity创造性 Displacement移位性 Cultural transmission 文化传递性 1）Arbitrariness 任意性 The forms of linguistic signs bears no natural relationship to their meaning. 2 Duality 二层性 Language is a system. This system has two sets of structures, one of sounds lower or basic level and the other of meaning higher level . A small number of sounds can be grouped and regrouped into a large number of units of meaning words , and the units of meaning can be arranged and rearranged into infinite number of sentences. 3 Creativity\productivity创造性 Language can be used to create new meaning because of its duality 4 Displacement移位性 Human languages enable their users to symbolize something which are not present at the moment of communication. 5 Cultural transmission 文化传递性 Language is passed on from generation to generation through teaching and learning rather than instinct. ? 3.Functions of language 1 Phatic communion 应酬语、寒暄语 2 Emotive function 3 Performative function （行事话语） 4 Interpersonal function 5 Informative function 6 Recreational function 7 Metalingual function Paradox: More haste, less speed. It’s a paradox that in such a rich country there can be so much poverty. 甜蜜