An Introduction to Language and Linguistics || Basics of Language and Linguistics (Unit 1) || Class 11

Basics of Language and Linguistics

Introduction to Language

A language is a system of communication that consists of a set of symbols, rules, and conventions that allow people to share information and ideas. Languages can be spoken, written, or signed, and they can be used for a variety of purposes, including communication, expression, and creativity.

Characteristics of Language

Arbitrariness

The relationship between a word and its meaning is arbitrary. This means that there is no natural or logical connection between the sound of a word and the thing it refers to. For example, the word "dog" does not have any inherent meaning; it is simply a sound that we have agreed to use to refer to a particular animal.

Productivity

Languages are productive, which means that they can be used to create new words, phrases and sentences. This is because the rules of language allow us to combine existing words in new ways. For example, we can use the rules of English grammar to create new words by adding prefixes and suffixes to existing words. For example, we can add the prefix "un" to the word "happy" to create the new word "unhappy". We can also add the suffix "able" to the word "read" to create the new word "readable".

Duality

Language is dualistic, meaning it is made of two levels: sounds and meanings. Sounds are the physical units of language, produced by our vocal cords and articulated by our mouths. Meanings are the concepts and ideas that we use language to express. When we speak, we produce a series of sounds that are meaningless on their own. However, when we combine these sounds in a certain way, they create meaningful words and phrases. For example, the English word "cat" is made up of the three sounds /k/, /æ/, and /t/. These sounds are meaningless individually. When they are combined in a certain way, they create the meaningful word "cat".

Displacement

Languages allow us to talk about things that are not present in the immediate context. This is because languages have a system of symbols that can represent things that are not physically present.

Cultural transmission

Language is transmitted from one person to another. it is learned from other members of society. As we grow up, we learn to speak, read, and write in the language of our community.

Differences between Human Language and Animal Communication

Human language

a. There is an open system in human language.

b. Human language shows displacement.

c. It has duality of patterning.

d. It changes in course of time.

e. It is systematic because it has structures.

f. It is culturally transmitted.

Animal Communication

a. There is a closed system in animal communication.

b. It lacks displacement.

c. It lacks the duality of patterning.

d. It remains stable over time.

e. It is not systematic.

f. It is genetically inherited.

Language is a voluntary vocal system of human communication. Explain.

Language is a voluntary vocal system of human communication. We human beings use language according to our wish or desire for communication. So, language is voluntary. Language is vocal in the sense that it involves the use of our vocal organs, such as mouth, tongue, vocal cord, etc. to generate meaningful sounds. Similarly, the sound signals that come through the vocal organs should be systematically arranged for meaning. Therefore, language is a system.

Varieties of Language: dialect, register, idiolect

Language varieties are different ways of speaking the same language. Language can vary in terms of pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. Language varieties are influenced by a number of factors, including region, social group, and individual identity. For example, if we consider English, it is spoken differently in Britain, the United States, Canada, New Zealand, or Australia. Similarly, the use of English in the government office, canteen, and bus stop might be different even in the same context. Varieties of language are termed as dialect, register, idiolect, pidgin, and creole.

Dialect

A dialect is a regional, social variety of the same language. It differs in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary from the standard language. American English and British English are the examples of dialects. There are two types of Dialect:

a. Social Dialect

A social dialect is a variety of a language that is spoken by a particular social group. For example, the Nepali language spoken by Thakuris in Mahendranagar may be different from the Nepali language spoken by other social groups in the same place.

b. Regional Dialect

A regional dialect is a variety of language that is spoken in a particular region. For example, the Nepali language spoken in Bajhang may be different from the Nepali language spoken in Jhapa.

c. Register

A register is a variety of language that is used in a particular context or situation. For example, the register used in a formal setting, such as a job interview or a business meeting, would be different from the register used in an informal setting, such as a conversation with friends.

Types of Registers

Tenor-based register: If language is influenced by the relationship between the speaker or writer and the listener or reader, it is called tenor-based register. For example, the register used in a conversation between two friends may be different from the register used in a conversation between a teacher and a student.

Mode-based register

This type of register is determined by the way in which communication is taking place. For example, the register used in a written document may be different from the register used in a spoken conversation.

Field-based register

If language varies as per the subject matter of the communication, it is called field-based register. For example, the register used in a scientific paper may be different from the register used in a news article.

Idiolect

An idiolect is the unique way that an individual speaks a language. Idiolects are often shaped by our personal experiences, our social group, and our region. For example, a person who grew up speaking Spanish at home might have an idiolect that includes the use of Spanish words and phrases in their English speech. Idiolects are shaped by a person's background, upbringing, education, experiences, and interactions with others.