Chapter I 1.Linguistics is usually defined as the science study of language 2.what are major branches of linguistics? Phonetics----it studies the sounds used in linguistics communication. Phonology---it studies how sounds are put together and used to convey the meaning in communication. Morphology---it studies the way in which linguistic symbol representing sounds are arranged and combined to form words. Syntax-------it studies the rules which govern how words are combined to form grammatically permissible sentence in languages. Semantics---it studies meaning convey by language. Pragmatics---it studies the meaning in the context of language use. Sociolinguistics—the study of language with reference to society. Psycholinguistics---the study of language with reference to the working of the mind. Applied linguistics---the application of linguistic principles and theories to language teaching and learning. 4. The definitions of important distinctions in lingustics: Who distinguished them? （1）descriptive VS. presriptive; Descriptive(描写式):describe and analyze the language people actually use. eg: American don’t say “I’ll give you some color see see.” Prescriptive(规定式): laying down rules for “correct and standard”behaviour in using language. eg: Don’t say “I’ll give you some color see see.” （2）synchronic VS. diachronic; Synchronic study(共时性) --- description of a language at some point of time Diachronic study(历时性) --- description of a language through the course of its history (historical development of language over a period of time) （3）speech and writing Speech is prior to writing （4）langue & parole; Langue: (语言) the abstract linguistic system shared by all members of a speech community. Parole: (话...
