英语语言学重点及问题总汇.docVIP

PAGE PAGE 1 Basic Notions in English Linguistics Chapter 1 Introduction What is language? Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols for human communication. What are design features of language? Arbitrariness, duality, displacement, interchangeability, creativity, cultural transmission What is arbitrariness? There is no logical connection between meanings and sounds. What is displacement? Language is free from barriers caused by separation of time and place. What is duality? Language is a system consisting of two levels of structures, such that units of the primary level (meanings) are composed of elements of the secondary level (sounds) and each level has its own principles of organization. What is creativity? Language users can understand and produce an infinitely large number of sentences. What is cultural transmission? The details of any language system are not genetically transmitted, but instead have to be taught and learned. What are three general functions of language proposed by Halliday? Ideational, interpersonal, textual What is linguistics? Linguistics is generally defined as the scientific study of language. What are main branches of linguistics? Phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics What is macro-linguistics? The study of language in relation to other disciplines, e.g. sociolinguistics What is the distinction of prescriptive and descriptive? Prescribe what people should say, describe what people actually use What is the distinction of competence and performance? The ideal user’s knowledge of language rules and the actual realization of this knowledge in linguistic communication What is the distinction of synchronic and diachronic? The study of language in time and through time What is the distinction of speech and writing? Natural/primary and invented/secondary media of human language What is traditional grammar? The general approach traditionally formed to the study of language Chapter 2 Speech Sounds What are sp