Introduction to Linguistics

Overview

• Purpose: Lecture aimed at second-year students to introduce key concepts in linguistics.
• Institution: Teachers Higher College Talabad Rahman, Laghouat, Algeria.

Definition of Linguistics

• Linguistics: Scientific study of language.
• Science vs. Knowledge:
  • Science is structured knowledge.
  • Requires three conditions: field of research, theoretical background, and scientific method.

Conditions for Science

1. Field of Research: Human language is the subject in linguistics.
2. Theoretical Background: Literature review; previous theories and research.
3. Scientific Method:
   • Observation and problem identification.
   • Hypothesizing for explanation and solutions.
   • Experimentation: Control and experimental groups.
   • Validation of hypotheses leading to theories.

Language Definition

• Language: Set of sounds, words, utterances, gestures used for communication.
• Contrast with Animal Language:
  • Human language is evolutionary, creative, productive.
  • Animal language is constant and biologically driven.

Characteristics of Human Language

• Evolutionary: Changes and develops over time.
• Creativity and Productivity: Ability to generate new utterances from finite rules.
• Duality: Spoken and written forms.
• Cultural Transfer: Transmits culture from one generation to another.

Emergence of Linguistics as a Science

• Early 20th Century: Emergence of linguistics as a discipline.
• Ferdinand de Saussure: Key figure in establishing linguistics.
  • Published "General Course in Linguistics".
  • Introduced structuralism.

Structuralism Principles

Language Characteristics

• Self-sufficient: Language studied in itself, for itself.
• Language is a social fact.

Comparison with Traditional Grammar

• Armchair Grammarians: Focused on grammar, neglected speech.
• Prescriptive Nature: Rules-based, item-centered.
• Chronic Studies: Language studied over time.

Structuralism Changes

1. Synchronic vs. Diachronic Studies:
   • Synchronic: Study at a specific time point.
   • Diachronic: Study over time.
2. Langue and Parole:
   • Langue: Abstract system (rules).
   • Parole: Concrete realization (speech).
3. Paradigmatic and Syntagmatic Relations:
   • Paradigmatic: Vertical relations between elements in different sentences.
   • Syntagmatic: Horizontal relations within the same sentence.

Conclusion

• Emphasized the novelty of structuralism in linguistics.
• Upcoming discussions will continue exploring these ideas.
• Gratitude for attention and anticipation of future lectures.