语言学期末总结.docVIP

1 What is language? Language is a means of verbal communication. It is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication. 1.verbal communication 2.instrumental in that communicating by speaking or writing is purposeful 3.social and conventional . 2. Design features of language识别特征The features that define our human languages can be called design features which can distinguish human language from any animal system of communication. 1Arbitrariness规约性refers to the fact that the forms of linguistic signs bear no natural relationship to their meanings.2Duality二层性Language is a system, which consists of two sets of structures ,or two levels. 3Creativity创造性means that language is resourceful because of its duality and its recursiveness . Recursiveness refers to the rule which can be applied repeatedly without any definite limit. The recursive nature of language provides a theoretical basis for the possibility of creating endless sentences.4Displacement移位性Language can be used to refer to contexts removed from the immediate situations of the speaker. 3 Origin of language 1.The bow-wow theory摹声说In primitive times people imitated the sounds of the animal calls in the wild environment they lived and speech developed from that.2.The pooh-pooh theory感叹说In the hard life of our primitive ancestors, they utter instinctive sounds of pains, anger and joy which gradually developed into language. 3.The “yo-he-ho” theory育声说As primitive people worked together, they produced some rhythmic grunts which gradually developed into chants and then into language. 4. Function of language 1Informative信息功能The informative function means language is the instrument of thought and people often use it to communicate new information.2 Interpersonal function交际The interpersonal function means people can use language to establish and maintain their status in a society.3 Performative施为The performative function of language is primarily to change the social status of persons, as in marriage ceremo