[英语学习]An Overview of Language.pptVIP

Welcome To: An Overview of Language An Overview of Language Preliminary Questions on Language What is Language? Design Features of Language Functions of Language Origin of Language Discussion Questions 1. Preliminary Questions on L Why study language? What is language in your mind? Is language important to us than eyes, mouth, hands, etc? Where and when to use language? Is language human specific? 1.1 Why Study Language? A tool for communication An integral part of our life and humanity If we are not fully aware of the nature and mechanism of our language, we will be ignorant of what constitutes our essential humanity 1.2 Some Myths about Language Language is only a means of communication. Language has a form-meaning correspondence. The function of language is to exchange information. English is more difficult to learn than Chinese. Black English is not standard and should be reformed. …(Hu Zhuanglin, 2011: 1) 1.3 The Importance of Language One point is that language is more important to humans than eyes, mouth, hands, legs, etc., are. The reason is that without language human beings will remain like apes and chimpanzees, and will have no civilization. The other is that language is unique to humans, and that no other animals will be able to speak a human language. The reason lies in that researchers have failed to teach chimpanzees to speak human language or use sign language. 1.4 The Ubiquity of Language Language is everywhere at any time around us. From childhood to old years From age to age From homes/dormitories to classes, working units and recreations From one part of the earth to another From ordinary people to national leaders From silence to speaking out 1.5 Language is Human Specific The claim that language is human specific implies that there are certain characteristics of human language that are not found in the communication systems of any other species. Although most animals are assumed to communicate in some way, they convey limited information and o