Overview
This lecture introduces the concept of language, covering definitions, etymology, origin theories, characteristics, and its significance in society.
What is Language?
- Language is a uniquely human system of communication using sounds, gestures, or written symbols.
- It expresses thoughts, emotions, dreams, prayers, and social relations.
- Language is a learned, not biologically inherited, system.
Etymology & Definitions of Language
- The word "language" comes from Latin 'lingua' (tongue) and French 'language' (speech).
- Language is organized noise used in social situations, governed by rules for sounds, words, and sentences.
- It is a system of signs for encoding and decoding information.
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Language is a conventional system of spoken or written symbols for communication within a culture.
- Language is primarily human, non-instinctive, and uses voluntarily produced symbols.
Theories on the Origin of Language
- Exact origin is unknown; several speculative theories exist:
- Bow-wow theory: language began by imitating natural sounds (e.g., “cuckoo”).
- Ding-dong theory: speech arose in response to the qualities of objects.
- La-la theory: language developed from sounds associated with play or song.
- Poop-poo theory: speech started with interjections from emotions.
- Yo-he-ho theory: language evolved from sounds during physical labor.
- All theories have significant flaws and lack concrete evidence.
Characteristics of Language
- Language is the primary means of communication and social interaction.
- It is verbal (sound-based), vocal (produced by vocal organs), and primarily spoken.
- Language is non-instinctive and conventional; it is acquired, not inherited.
- Serves as a vehicle for cultural transmission and preserving civilization.
- Species-specific: only humans possess true language capability.
- A system of systems: includes phonological and grammatical structures and sub-systems.
- Social institution: a set of conventional signals in community life.
- Arbitrary: no inherent link between words and their meanings.
- Symbolic: uses sounds and words as symbols for concepts and objects.
- Unique, creative, and evolving: allows endless sentence creation and adapts over time.
Importance of Language
- Essential for expressing needs, feelings, and forming social bonds.
- Reflects identity, culture, and values; society and culture depend on language.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Etymology — the study of word origins.
- Arbitrariness — lack of logical connection between linguistic signs and their meanings.
- Phonology — the study of a language's sound system.
- Morphology — study of word formation.
- Syntax — rules that govern sentence structure.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Answer practice questions:
- Explain the theoretical background and major theories on the origin of language.
- Define language from multiple linguists' perspectives.
- Describe the main attributes and importance of language.
- Discuss how language serves society and transmits culture.
- Illustrate the uniqueness and creativity of language with examples.
- Prepare for the next lesson on linguistics and its branches.