英语语言学two.ppt

The Nature of Language ; Introduction 1.1What is linguistics 1.1.1Definition Linguistics is generally defined as the scientific study of language.; The Scope of Linguistics;The study of how sounds are put together and used in communication is called phonology. ;While sounds are primary in linguistic communication, they are represented by certain symbols, i.e. , words and morphemes. The study of the way in which morphemes are arranged to form words is called morphology. ; The combination of these words to form permissible sentences in languages is governed by rules. The study of how morphemes and words are combined to form sentences is called syntax. ;The ultimate objective of language is not just to create grammatically well-formed sentences, but to convey meaning. The study of meaning in language is called semantics. ; Language communication does not occur in a vacuum. It always occurs in a context, i.e., it always occurs at a certain time, at a certain place, between participants with particular intentions. The study of meaning in context of use is called pragmatics . ;Language is a social activity carried out in a certain social environment by human beings. Therefore, language and society are closely related. ;The language a person uses often reveals his social background, and there exist social norms that determine the type of language to be used on a certain occasion ; ; Language changes are often caused by social changes. The study of language with reference to society is called sociolinguistics. ;The study of language with reference to the workings of mind is called psycholinguistics. ; Findings in linguistic studies can often be applied to the solution of such problems as the recovery of speech ability. The study of such applications is generally known as applied linguistics. ;But in a narrow sense, applied linguistics refers to the application of linguistic principles and theories to language teaching and le