1 Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Linguistics: 语言学It is generally defined as the scientific stu dy of langu age
( Linguistics studies not any particular language ,but it studies language in general) 2
General linguistics:普通语言学 The study of language as a whole is called general linguistics
(language is a complicated entity with multiple layers and facets ) 3
Language: Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication
descriptive (描述性):A linguistic study aims to describe and analyze the language people actually use
prescriptive(规定性): It aims to lay down rules for “correct and standard” behaviors
what they should say and what they should not to say
synchronic(共时语言学): the description of language at some point of time in hiatory 7
diachronic (历时语言学):the des