Fundamentals of Communication and Linguistic Systems

Unit 1: Language as a Communication System

Communication involves several key components:

• Sender: The active participant in written or oral communication who produces a message based on an original intention.
• Receiver: The recipient who interprets the message. Upon replying, the receiver becomes the sender. In a dialogue, these roles are constantly exchanged.
• Message: The information transmitted. When analysis focuses on the content, it is often referred to as the text, which possesses specific properties.
• Context: All elements that provide full meaning to the communication. It becomes significant when the sender focuses the message on a specific theme.
• Code: The language system shared by both the sender and the receiver.
• Channel: The physical medium used for transmission.

The Functions of Language

• Expressive (Emotive) Function: Highlights the attitude or feelings of the sender.
• Conative (Directive) Function: The sender prompts the recipient to act in a specific way.
• Poetic Function: Focuses on the communication itself, aiming to create a message with aesthetic intent.
• Informative (Referential) Function: Prioritizes aspects of reality or the context.
• Metalinguistic Function: Used to clarify questions related to the code itself.
• Phatic Function: Used to ensure and maintain the functioning of the communication channel.

Unit 2: Orthology and Spelling

Understanding the distinction between written and spoken language is essential:

• Orthology: The set of rules for the correct pronunciation of sounds.
• Spelling: The set of rules for the proper graphical representation of sounds.

The Production of Speech Sounds

Beyond the brain and nervous system, speech production involves three groups of organs:

• Respiratory System: Lungs, bronchi, and trachea.
• Phonation System: Glottis, vocal cords, and larynx.
• Articulation System: Pharynx, nasal and oral cavities, tongue, palate, lips, and teeth.