Introduction1
What is LanguageLanguage is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication
What is Linguistics(语言学)Linguistics is the scientific study of language
Some Basic Distinctions(辨别) in Linguistics3
1 Speech and WritingOne general principle(原则) of linguistic analysis is the primacy of speech over writing
Writing gives language new scope( 范围) and uses that speech does not have
2 Descriptive(描述性) or Prescriptive(阐明性)A linguistic study is descriptive if it describes and analyses facts observed; it is prescriptive if it tries to lay down rules for "correct" behavior
3 Synchronic(共时) and Diachronic(历时) StudiesThe description of a language at some point in time is a synchronic study and The description of a language as it changes through time is a diachronic