Chapter one Introdu ction 一、定义 1
Linguistics 语言学 Linguistics is generally defined as the scientific study of language
General Linguistics 普通语言学 The study of language as a whole is often called General linguistics
Language 语言 Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication
语言是人类用来交际的任意性的有声符号体系
Design Features 识别特征 It refers to the defining properties of human language that distinguish it from any animal system of communication
语言识别特征是指人类语言区别与其他任何动物的交际体系的限定性特征
⑴Arbitrariness 任意性 There is no logical connection between meanings and sounds
S the arbitrary nature of language is a sign of sophistication and it makes it possible for language to have an unlimited source of expressions ⑵Productivity 多产性 Animals are quite limited in the messages they are