简明英语语言学教程.docVIP

Chapter one Introduction 一、定义 1. Linguistics 语言学 Linguistics is generally defined as the scientific study of language. 2. General Linguistics 普通语言学 The study of language as a whole is often called General linguistics. 3. Language 语言 Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication. 语言是人类用来交际的任意性的有声符号体系。 4. Design Features 识别特征 It refers to the defining properties of human language that distinguish it from any animal system of communication.语言识别特征是指人类语言区别与其他任何动物的交际体系的限定性特征。 ⑴Arbitrariness任意性 There is no logical connection between meanings and sounds. P.S the arbitrary nature of language is a sign of sophistication and it makes it possible for language to have an unlimited source of expressions ⑵Productivity多产性 Animals are quite limited in the messages they are able to send. ⑶Duality双重性 Language is a system, which consists of two sets of structures, or two levels. ⑷Displacement移位性 Language can be used to refer to contexts removed from the immediate situations of the speaker. ⑸Cultural transmission文化传递 Human capacity for language has a genetic basis, but we have to be taught and learned the details of any language system. This showed that language is culturally transmitted. Not by instinct. Animals are born with the capacity to produce the set of calls peculiar to their species. 5. Competence 语言能力 Competence is the ideal user’s knowledge of the rules of his language. 6. Performance 语言运用 Performance is the actual realization of this knowledge in linguistic communication. 语言运用是所掌握的规则在语言交际中的体现。 7. Diachronic linguistics 历时语言学 The study of language change through time. a diachronic study of language is a historical study, which studies the historical development of language over a period of time. 8. Synchronical linguistics 共时语言学 The study of a given language at a given time. 9. Langue 语言 The abstract linguistic system shared by all members of a speech community. 10.Parole 言语 The realization of langue in actual use. 11. Presc