语言学课件1. Chapter One Language n..pptVIP

Linguistics Hu-zhuanglin Chapter One Language The definition The design features of language Functions of language. The origin of language. 1. Introduction Some myths in language understanding, see the course book, page 1 2. Understanding of language2.1 Some linguists’ view on language Language is a purely human and non-instinctive methods of communicating ideas, emotions and desires by means of voluntarily produced symbols. Sapir: 1921 Language is the institution whereby humans communicate and interact with each other by means of habitually used oral-auditory arbitrary symbols. Hall:1968 From now on I will consider language to be a set (finite or infinite) of sentences, each finite in length and constructed out of a finite set of elements. Chomsky:1957 Language is a tool for human communication. He-zhaoxiong: 1999 2.2 The widely accepted Definition Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication.  2.2.1. Language is a system. All elements involved in it are arranged according to certain rules. e.g. *bkli, *I apple eat 2.2.2. Language is arbitrary. There is no intrinsic connection between a linguistic sign and what the sign stands for, that is, between meaning and form. e.g. “pen” by any other name is the thing we use to write with. “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” Shakespeare 2.2.3. Language is vocal. The primary medium for all languages is sound. 2.2.4. Language is symbolic. If a sign and the object it signifies are associated by social convention, the sign is called a symbol. Common symbols include traffic lights, wedding rings and national fla