Fundamentals of Linguistics: Properties and Systems

Chapters 1-3

1. Basic Components of Linguistic Knowledge

Syntax: Rules for combining words

Pragmatics: How language is used

Semantics: Meaning of words and sentences

Phonology: Sound system of a language

Morphology: Smallest unit of meaning in language

2. Properties of Human Language

a. Vocal-Auditory Channel: Speech is based on sounds.

b. Interchangeability: The same person can both transmit and receive messages.

c. Complete Feedback: While speaking, we can monitor what we are saying.

d. Arbitrariness: No direct connection between a word and its referent.

e. Discreteness: Language is based upon a vocabulary of independent, movable units.

f. Displacement: We use speech to refer to things in other times or places.

g. Cultural Transmission: One generation transmits speech to the next.

h. Learnability: We can learn additional languages from those who speak them.

i. Creativity: We can form an infinite range of utterances, many of which we have never heard or said before.

j. Spontaneous Usage: Speech does not need to be premeditated.

k. Turn-Taking: We take turns when speaking.

l. Prevarication: Lying and figurative use.

m. Reflectiveness: Commenting on language.

n. Control: Speech is used intentionally.

3. Key Linguistic Concepts

A. Sound Symbolism: Words whose pronunciation suggests the meaning.

B. Onomatopoeic Words: Imitate sounds associated with objects or actions they refer to.

C. Language Creativity: Ability to produce and understand novel sentences.

D. Competence vs. Performance:

    a. Competence: Underlying knowledge of a system (non-observable ability).

    b. Performance: Observable realization of competence (actual doing).

E. Descriptive vs. Prescriptive Grammar:

    a. Descriptive Grammar: Explicit rules of the language in speakers' minds.

    b. Prescriptive Grammar: Claims some language versions are better, prescribing "correct" forms.

F. Language Universals:

    a. Categories of syntax, semantics, and phonology common to all languages (e.g., noun and verb categories).

4. Human Language vs. Animal Communication

Human language is creative and mutual, unlike animal communication, which primarily serves reproduction or basic needs.

5. Chimpanzee Language Studies

Studies explore whether chimpanzees can learn human language.