“What exactly is language, and what does linguistics study?”

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Linguistics basics

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Mary Fretes

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“What exactly is language, and what does linguistics study?”


“What exactly is language, and what does linguistics study?”Online version Linguistics basics by Mary Fretes 1 What does linguistics study according to the course text? Choose one or more answers a Linguistics studies all forms of human language: languages of different peoples, from ancient to modern, and both “correct” or “elegant” forms and everyday or “incorrect” forms. b Linguistics filters all forms of human language: identifying the evolution of different dialects, from ancient to modern, to distinguish truly "correct" or "elegant" forms from corrupted or "incorrect" forms. 2 What are the main goals of linguistics? Choose one or more answers a Describe known languages and trace their history, including language families and reconstructed ancestor languages and identify forces or regular principles that operate across languages and state general laws that explain observed historical changes. Define the limits and scope of linguist b Standardize modern languages, enforce proper grammar, and predict future dialect trends, identify cultural rules that dictate how people should speak and prevent language decay and define the boundaries and scope of literature. c Analyze individual speech patterns and trace language development from infancy. Identify neurological principles in the brain that trigger sudden vocabulary shifts. Define the boundaries and scope of human psychology. 3 What is the relationship between linguistics and other sciences as described in the text? Choose one or more answers a Linguistics is closely linked to other sciences. Sometimes those fields give linguistics data; sometimes linguistics gives them data. Boundaries are not always clear. b Linguistics is a sub-discipline of larger fields and is controlled by: Ethnography, Anthropology, Sociology and Psychology. 4 According to Saussure, what makes language not a simple object? a Unlike stable sciences like biology, language shifts its historical meaning constantly depending on the perspective of the generation using it. Because its social dimensions are always evolving, linguistics cannot define a fixed object of study. b According to Saussure, language is not a simple object because it lacks a single, independent existence. Instead, its nature shifts depending on the observer's perspective. It simultaneously spans multiple dimensions—including physical sounds, mental ideas, social rules, psychology, and history. 5 What does Saussure’s speech circuit involve, in the order described? Written answer 6 What two dimensions does Saussure separate language into? Written answer 7 Why does Saussure prioritize langue over parole? Written answer 8 In Saussure’s model, what is the Signifier and what is the Signified? a In Saussure's model, the signifier is the mental concept or meaning associated with a sign, while the signified is the physical representation (such as a sound or written word). b In Saussure's model, the signifier is the physical representation of a sign (such as a sound or written word), while the signified is the mental concept or meaning associated with it. c d 9 What does it mean that linguistic signs are linear, according to Saussure? Written answer 10 Why is language described as both invariant and variable over time? Choose one or more answers a Language is invariant because the passage of time naturally fixes the connection between the signifier and the signified, preventing historical decay. Conversely, it is variable because individual members of the linguistic community constantly assert their will to alter the inherited system. b Language is invariant because the linguistic community is bound to its existing heritage; an individual cannot choose to change a sign's meaning at will, ensuring stability. Conversely, it is variable because time allows linguistic signs to shift. c Language is invariant because the internal mental concept remains permanently anchored within the collective memory of the linguistic community. Conversely, it is variable because the external physical signifier independently mutates as it passes through time. Feedback 5 The speech circuit involves at least two individuals (A and B) and comprises several stages: Concept: A fact of consciousness in the brain of an individual (e.g., A). Association (Psychological): The concept is linked to a representation of a linguistic sign or sound pattern. Phonation (Physiological): The brain transmits an impulse to the organs of phonation, producing sound. Sound Waves (Physical): Sound waves are transmitted from the speaker's mouth to the listener's ear. Hearing (Physiological): The sound waves are received by the listener's ear. Association (Psychological): The sound pattern is associated with the corresponding concept in the listener's brain. 7 Because speech is too chaotic and infinite. Every person speaks differently, the language system is: organized, stable and analyzable. 9 Speech and written language happen through time, one sound or word after another. The order matters.

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“What exactly is language, and what does linguistics study?”

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About this activity

Created by

Download the paper version to play

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“What exactly is language, and what does linguistics study?”Online version

by Mary Fretes

What does linguistics study according to the course text?

Choose one or more answers

What are the main goals of linguistics?

Choose one or more answers

What is the relationship between linguistics and other sciences as described in the text?

Choose one or more answers

According to Saussure, what makes language not a simple object?

What does Saussure’s speech circuit involve, in the order described?

Written answer

What two dimensions does Saussure separate language into?

Written answer

Why does Saussure prioritize langue over parole?

Written answer

In Saussure’s model, what is the Signifier and what is the Signified?

What does it mean that linguistic signs are linear, according to Saussure?

Written answer

Why is language described as both invariant and variable over time?

Choose one or more answers

Feedback