Chapter 1 introduces the subject matter of the book, offering a coherent picture of the two fundamental concepts: language and linguistics. Language is a system of communication consisting of a set of spoken sounds, written symbols, and gestural signs. Linguistics is the scientific study of human language, both its form and meaning. The chapter has four sections: Sect. 1.1 a broad understanding of the field and an overview of its main concerns; Sect. 1.2 probes the question of what language is, explains the purposes of its study, presents the modes which it takes, and outlines its properties; Sect. 1.3 explains what linguistics is, demonstrates the benefits of studying it, identifies the main branches into which linguistic research falls, and summarizes its scientific characteristics; Sect. 1.4 sums up the chapter.
1.1 Concepts
Language is a gift with which humankind is endowed, the most important human capability, and a unique feature of human identity. Language, be it verbal, written, or gestural, is not merely a way to communicate; it is a way to satisfy some of the needs of daily life.
With the passage of time, interest in language began to grow into the science of linguistics . As an intellectual discipline, linguistics is the study of the human ability to produce and interpret language in speaking, writing, and signing. All languages are potential data for linguistic research. A linguist is someone who studies the structure of language and identifies the principles that govern its use. A crucial aspect of linguistics pertains to its development, the way the subject evolved, the stages through which it developed. Scientists do not start from scratch; they build on aspects of earlier work, irrespective of whether they are relevant or irrelevant to aspects of present-day work. The stage reached by one generation provides the starting point for the next. The growth of a science is determined by social needs, intellectual premises, and practical purposes.
Before surveying the development of linguistics, it will be helpful to explain what language and linguistics are and why they are studied.
1.2 Language
Language is an evolutionary adaptation. It evolved to fit the growing needs of humans to convey information from one person to another. In the harsh natural environment in which humans evolved, language provided greater scope and flexibility to survive and prosper. Although the exact origins of language are not known, many researchers believe that it evolved out of calls, gestures, or signs. It became is the most remarkable tool that mankind possesses, an essential and distinguishing feature of the species. The ability to use language gives individuals identity and makes them human. It is probably the best window available on the workings of the human mind.
The capability for language relies on the use of one or more language codes, which must be learnt. Language is infinitely flexible: it can describe past memories, present needs, and future plans. Language is dynamic: it changes over time to adapt to social and cultural evolution, or in response to contact with other languages. This is evidenced by the fact that new vocabulary items are invented to describe new experiences and old vocabulary items take on new meanings. Every language has its own distinctive system of patterns.
1.2.1 What Is Language?
In a broad sense, language may be defined as a system of elements, verbal or graphic, combined into patterned expressions, a set of symbols, spoken or written, used mainly for communication. The symbols are used for the expression of thought or the exchange of knowledge. The deaf use sign languages in which they use visual–manual modality to convey meaning. As a means of communication, human language differs from all other animal and artificial languages because of its capacity to support and thrive through creativity. It differs from other means of communication such as gestural and facial expressions in that it involves the combination of arbitrary elements, creating meaning out of meaningless parts. Language is a social fact, a product of collective action; it is produced by society. But it is also a mental reality, existing in the brain. Language is a system in which elements interrelate and interact in meaningful ways. It has a set of rules governing its structure, meaning, and use which enable speakers to produce grammatical and meaningful utterances.
Language is inherently symbolic in nature. Any linguistic expression can be viewed as a three-sided figure: a phonological structure, which is its form; a semantic structure, which is its meaning; and a symbolic structure, which is the link between the two. In other words, an expression can be thought of as a coin whose two sides are form and meaning, which are linked by a symbolic structure. Meaning is represented symbolically using combinations of sounds, letters, and gestures. Equally important in producing and interpreting expressions is the context, the situation in which an expression is uttered or the parts of a discourse that surround it. Only in a particular context can an expression convey the intended meaning of a speaker and the ring about correct interpretation by a listener. That is, to grasp the intended meaning of a speaker, a listener must consider the context in which the expression occurs. Without attention to such contexts, one cannot understand how language works. The branch of linguistics dealing with the contexts in which language is used is called pragmatics .
1.2.2 Why Study Language?
Language plays a crucial role in human life. It is studied because it is used to fulfil specific purposes.
- 1.Language can be regarded as a mirror of mind. Language is a crucial element of the human essence, an essential component of the human mind. It reflects the characteristics of human intellectual capacities and the natural creativity of its speakers. The linguistic structures used to describe a situation mirror the mental state of a speaker.
- 2.Language can be viewed as a bonding device and a mirror of society. Language is a lens through which we see and understand the world. With its rich variation, language can be seen as reflecting the miscellaneous nature of a society or the distinct locality of a culture. It provides invaluable windows into a speech community’s values and attitudes.
- 3.Language is a coherent system of communication within a community, expressing thoughts, emotions, feelings, and desires. It is a very important means of establishing and maintaining relationships with other people. Hence, it is essential for building a nation and serving as a tool of unity in a multicultural society.
- 4.Language can be used both to convey information and express attitudes. Declarative sentences, for example, are used to give information. They allow people to get their points across, and express their ideas. Exclamative sentences, for example, are used to express emotions. They allow people to let out their emotional reactions.
- 5.Language can be used not just to solicit information, but also to call for action. Interrogative sentences are used to seek information. In using such sentences, the speaker asks the listener to give information about something. Imperative sentences are used to give orders. In using such sentences, the speaker gets the listener to do something.
1.2.3 Modes
Language appears in three forms: writing, speaking, and sign. Sign language lies outside the scope of the present study. Writing and speaking are related but obviously different:
- 1.Writing requires systematic instruction and practice. So, not everyone is able to write. Speech is acquired without...