Fundamental Concepts in Linguistics and Language Structure

Syntax

In linguistics, syntax is the set of rules, principles, and processes that govern the structure of sentences in a given language, usually including word order. The term syntax is also used to refer to the study of such principles and processes.

Morphology

Morphology is the study and description of word formation (such as inflection, derivation, and compounding) in language.

Phonology

Phonology is a branch of linguistics concerned with the systematic organization of sounds in spoken languages and signs in sign languages.

Semantics

Semantics is the linguistic and philosophical study of meaning in language, programming languages, formal logics, and semiotics. It is concerned with the relationship between signifiers and what they stand for in reality (their denotation).

Pragmatics

Pragmatics is a subfield of linguistics and semiotics that studies the ways in which context contributes to meaning.

Word Classes

A word class is a set of words that display the same formal properties, especially their inflections and distributions; it is also variously called a grammatical category.

Heads and Modifiers

The head of a phrase is the word that determines the syntactic type of that phrase. Modifiers are optional elements in phrase structure or clause structure.

Complement

A complement is a part of a clause that usually follows the verb in English and adds more information about the subject or object.

Phrase Structure

Phrase structure is the arrangement of the constituents of a sentence.

Predicates and Arguments

An argument is an expression that helps complete the meaning of a predicate. The predicate, in this context, refers to a main verb and its auxiliaries. A predicate is the part of a sentence or clause that expresses what is said of the subject and that usually consists of a verb with or without objects, complements, or adverbial modifiers.

Thematic Roles

Thematic roles are terms used to express the role that a noun phrase plays with respect to the action or state described by a governing verb.

The Lexicon

The lexicon is the vocabulary of a language, an individual speaker or group of speakers, or a subject.

Language Learning and Acquisition

Language learning and language acquisition are the processes by which humans acquire the capacity to use language.

Grammaticality and Acceptability

Grammaticality is a distinct feature and should not be confused with acceptability; similarly, grammaticality should not be identified by meaningfulness. Acceptability refers to whether a sentence is accepted within a particular community and culture.

Creativity

Creativity is the use of imagination or original ideas to create something; inventiveness.