ADetailedNoteforModernLinguistics.doc

A Detailed Note for Modern Linguistics Chapter 1: Introduction Define the following terms: Linguistics: It is generally defined as the scientific study of language. General linguistics: The study of language as a whole is called general linguistics. Applied linguistics: In a narrow sense, applied linguistics refers to the application of linguistic principles and theories to language teaching and learning, especially the teaching of foreign and second languages. In a broad sense, it refers to the application of linguistic findings to the solution of practical problems such as the recovery of speech ability. Synchronic study: The study of a language at some point in time. e.g. A study of the features of the English used in Shakespeare’s time is a synchronic study. Diachronic study: The study of a language as it changes through time. A diachronic study of language is a historical study, which studies the historical development of language over a period of time. e.g. a study of the changes English has undergone since Shakespeare’s time is a diachronic study. Language competence: The ideal user’s knowledge of the rules of his language. A transformational-generative grammar（转化生成语法）is a model of language competence. Language performance: performance is the actual realization of the ideal language user’s knowledge of the rules in linguistic communication. Langue : Langue refers to the abstract linguistic system shared by all the members of a speech community; Langue is the set of conventions and rules which language users all have to follow; Langue is relatively stable, it does not change frequently. Parole: Parole refers to the realization of langue in actual use; parole is the concrete use of the conventions and the application of the rules; parole varies from person to person, and from situation to situation. Language: Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication. Arbitrariness: It is one of the design features of language. It means that