英语课件Chapter1-1 Invitations to linguistics.pptVIP

Chapter One Invitations to Linguistics Pre-reading questions lead-in 1. What kinds of languages can you speak? 2. What do you think of this current trend of learning English language, such as trainings and various exams? 3. Why do you learn English language? 4. Does language only have verbal forms? 5. What is language? 6. What is linguistics? 1.1 Why study language? 1.1.1 Traditional myths of lg: (1) Language is only a means of communication. (2) Language has a form-meaning correspondence. (3) The function of language is to exchange information. (4) English is more difficult to learn than Chinese. (5) Black English is not standard and should be reformed. Understandings about the myths 1. It is taken for granted that lg is a tool and means for knowledge, information, and communications in life and society. 2. Those myths are only one-sided but not thorough, truthful, or comprehensive. 1.1.2 Some fundamental views about lg (1) Children learn their native language swiftly, efficiently and without instruction. (lg acquisition) (2) Language operates by rules. (syntactics, grammar) (3) All languages have three major components: a sound system, a system of lexicogrammar and a system of semantics. (4) Everyone speaks a dialect. (5) Language slowly changes. (6) Speakers of all languages employ a range of styles and a set of jargons. (7) Languages are intimately related to the societies and individuals who use them. (varieties) (8) Writing is derivative of speech. (pictographic-character) Language vs. linguistics Lg is a complicated entity with multiple layers and facets. (particular) Ls is the scientific study of lg. (general) Why study lg? 1. Language is very essential to human beings. 2. In language there are many things we should know. 3. For further understanding, we need to study language scientifically. 1.2 What is language? 1.2.1 Various definitions of lg (1) Language “is not to be confused with human speech, of which it is only a definite part, though cer