英语语言学概论笔记1.docVIP

《英语语言学概论》重、难点提示Questions Answers on Key Points of Linguistics《英语语言学概论》重、难点问与答1.1.? ?? What is language?“Language is system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication. It is a system, since linguistic elements are arranged systematically, rather than randomly. Arbitrary, in the sense that there is usually no intrinsic connection between a work (like “book”) and the object it refers to. This explains and is explained by the fact that different languages have different “books”: “book” in English, “livre” in French, in Japanese, in Chinese, “check” in Korean. It is symbolic, beca