语言学Chater 1.pptVIP

Synchronic vs diachronic Speech vs Writing Langue vs Parole (Saussure) Langue: the abstract linguistic system shared by all members of the speech community. Parole: the realization of langue in actual use. Competence and performance (Chomsky) Competence: the ideal user’s knowledge of the rules of his language Performance: the actual realization of this knowledge in linguistic communication Traditional Grammar VS Modern Linguistics Traditional grammar: prescriptive, written, Latin-based framework, synchronic Modern linguistics: descriptive, spoken, not necessarily Latin-based framework, diachronic Exercise * * * * * * * * * * * 语言学教程 Chapter 1 Invitations to Linguistics I. Language 1. Differentdefinitions of language Language is a system whose parts can and must be considered in their synchronic solidarity. --- (de Saussure, 1916) [Language is] a set (finite or infinite) of sentences, each finite in length and constructed out of a finite set of elements.  --- (Chomsky, 1957) Language can be generally defined as a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication. a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication. Language is a system Systematic---- rule-governed, elements in it are arranged according to certain rules; can’t be combined at will. e.g. *bkli, *I apple eat. Language is arbitrary Arbitrary---- no intrinsic / logical connection between the word and the thing it denotes, e.g. “pen” by any other name is the thing we use to write with. Language is symbolic in nature Symbolic---- words are associated with objects, actions, ideas by convention. “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet” ---Shakespeare Language is primarily vocal The primary medium is sound for all languages; Writing system came much later than spoken form. Language is human-specific different from the communication systems other forms of life possess, e.g. bird songs, bee dance, animal cries. 2. Design F