简明语言学教程01
what is linguistics?
[A] The definition of linguistics
Linguistics is generally defined as the scientific study of language.
Process of linguistic study:
①Certain linguistic facts are observed, generalization are formed;
②Hypotheses are formulated;
③Hypotheses are tested by further observations;
④A linguistic theory is constructed.
Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication.
[B] The scope of linguistics
General linguistics: the study of language as a whole
Phonetics: the general study of the characteristics of speech sounds (or the study of the phonic medium of language) (How speech sounds are produced and classified)
Phonology: is essentially the description of the systems and patterns of speech sounds in a language. (How sounds form systems and function to convey meaning)
Morphology: the study of the way in which morphemes are arranged to form words (how morphemes are combined to form words)
Syntax: the study of those rules that govern the combination of words to form permissible sentences (how morphemes and words are combined to form sentences)
Semantics: the study of meaning in abstraction
Pragmatics: the study of meaning in context of use
Sociolinguistics: the study of language with reference to society
Psycholinguistics: the study of language with reference to the workings of the mind
Applied linguistics: the application of linguistics principles and theories to language teaching and learning
Anthropological linguistics, neurological linguistics; mathematical linguistics; mathematical linguistics; computational linguistics
[C] Some important distinctions in linguistics
①Prescriptive vs. Descriptive
②Synchronic vs. Diachronic
The description of a language at some point in time;
The description of a language as it changes through time.
③Speech and writing
Spoken language is primary, not the written
④Langue and parole
Proposed by Swiss linguists F. de Sausse (sociological)
Langue: refers to the abstract linguistic system shared by all the members of a speech community
Parole: refers to the realization of langue in actual use
⑤Competence and performance
Proposed by the American linguist N. Chomsky (psychological)
Competence: the ideal user’s knowledge of the rules of his language