语言学教程(英文版)胡壮麟版.docVIP

The course: Introduction to Linguistics The textbook: Linguistics: A Course Book (3rd ed.) The instructor: 王振亚wangzhenya1969@ Chapter 1. Invitation to linguistics Natural vs artificial languages I. The definition of Language Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication. System：rule-governed *loves Mary John *bkoo Arbitrary: no logical relationship between language elements and their meaning: A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. A sound must seem to be an echo to its sense. Vocal: speech is primary Symbol: related to arbitrariness, language elements are only the symbols for the meaning they express Human: uniquely human or human specific or species specific Communication: the primary function of language II. Design features of language The defining properties of language Arbitrariness: not entirely arbitrary: onomatopoeic words compoundings derivatives some surnames Duality: the two subsystems of sound and meaning Creativity: language users can understand and produce new sentences to express new meanings. Displacement: language can be used to talk about things that are not present (structure-dependent operations) III. Functions of language Functions: broad categories of language uses Informative: when language is used to express human experience and knowledge about the world. Interpersonal: when language is used to establish and maintain social relations Performative: when language is used to perform certain acts Emotive: when language is used to change the emotional states of an audience or used to express the speakers’ emotions or attitudes towards something or some person. Phatic communion: occurs when language is used for pure interpersonal purposes, e.g. greetings, farewells, etc. Recreational: when language is used for the pure joy of using it Metalinguistic: when language is used to discuss itself IV. The definition of linguistics: The scientific study of language V. Main branches of linguistics Phonetics: th