语言学概论考试复习资料.docxVIP

Language is a system of arbitrary,vocal symbols used for human communication. Important features that are typical of the nature of human language: Language is systematic/symbolic/arbitrary/primarily vocal/human specific/used for communicationLinguistics is generally defined as the systematic study of language.General functions refer to the particular individual uses of language. Metafunctions refer to the larger, more general purposes underlying language use. Metafunctions of language: ideational/interpersonal/textual functionSeven general functions of language: physiological/phatic/recording/identifying/reasoning/communicatin/pleasure functionSounds are units which combine to make words or parts of words.Signs,three major types:Icon(We say a sign is an icon when an object and its sign are related to each other by a physical resemblance. eg. a photo that is taken of a video cassette) Index(A sign is called an index when an object and its sign are associated to each other by physical proximity.eg. in the case of thunder and lighting, thunder is an index.)Symbol(If a sign and the object it signifies are associated by social convention, the sign is called a symbol.eg, traffic lights, wedding rings, national flags.)The origin of language: creation, evolution, invention Language families: Genetic Classification, Typological ClassificationSome important distinctions in linguistics: langue and parole, prescriptive and descriptive, synchronic and diachronic, speech and writing, syntagmatic and paradigmatic, competence and performance, functionalism and formalismThe diachronic study refers to the description of the historical development of a language.The synchronic study refers to the description of a particular state of a language at a single point of time.Paradigmatic relation refers to oppositions which produce distinct and alternative terms(foot as opposed to feet).Syntagmatic relation refers to the relations between units which combine to form sequences.Competence re