杨忠语言学笔记VIP专享

- 1 - Linguistics Chapter 1 Introdu ction: Langu age and Lingu istics  What is language?  Different definitions of language  Language is a system whose parts can and must be considered in their synchronic solidarity. (de Saussure, 1916)  [Language is] a set (finite or infinite) of sentences, each finite in length and constructed out of a finite set of elements. (Chomsky, 1957)  Language is a purely human and non-instinctive method of communicating ideas, emotions and desires by means of voluntarily produced symbols.  Each of the definitions above has pointed out some aspects of the essence of language, but all of them have left out something. We must see the multi-faceted nature of language.  As is agreed by linguists in broad terms, language can be defined as a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication.  Features of human language  Creativity  Language provides opportunities for sending messages that have never been sent before and for understanding brand new messages.  The grammar rules and the words are finite, but the sentences are infinite. Every speaker uses language creatively.  Duality  Language contains two subsystems, one of sounds and the other of meanings.  Certain sounds or sequences of sounds stand for certain meanings.  Certain meanings are conveyed by certain speech sounds or sequences of speech sounds. - 2 -  Arbitrariness  The relationship between the two subsystems of language is arbitrary.  There is no logical connection between sound and meaning.  Displacement  There is no limit in time or space for language.  Language can be used to refer to things real or imagined, past, present or future.  Cultura...