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. 4.descriptive (描述性):A linguistic study aims to describe and analyze the language people actually use. 5.prescriptive(规定性): It aims to lay down rules for “correct and standard” behaviors. i.e. what they should say and what they should not to say. 6.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 description of language as it changes through time 3) speech（口语）Writing（书面语） These the two media of communication. Modern linguistics regards the spoken language as primary, not the written. (speech is prior to writing) 8.langue(语言): refers to abstract linguistic system shared by all the members of the speech community. It is the set of conventions and rules which language users all have to abide by. Such as: In English sentence must have subject and predicate. 9.parole(言语):refers to the realization of langue in actual use. It is concrete use of the conventions and the application of the rules. (Saussure ) 10.competence(语言能力): the ideal user’s knowledge of the rules of his language 11.performance( 语言应 用 ):the actual realization of this knowledge in linguistic communication. (Chomsky) traditional grammar and modern linguistics 1.linguistics is descriptive,while traditional grammar is presc...
