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What is Language

Language is a structured system of communication unique to humans, characterized by features such as arbitrariness, productivity, and displacement. It allows for the creation of new sentences and the discussion of abstract concepts, and is transmitted culturally rather than genetically. Linguists study its structure, evolution, and use to understand its role in cognition and social interaction.

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Anees Ul Hassan
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13 views

What is Language

Language is a structured system of communication unique to humans, characterized by features such as arbitrariness, productivity, and displacement. It allows for the creation of new sentences and the discussion of abstract concepts, and is transmitted culturally rather than genetically. Linguists study its structure, evolution, and use to understand its role in cognition and social interaction.

Uploaded by

Anees Ul Hassan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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What is Language

Definition

In linguistics, language is a structured system of communication that consists of sounds,


words, and grammar used by humans to convey meaning. It is a key feature of human
cognition and social interaction. Linguists study language in terms of its structure,
evolution, and use.

Language has several key features that distinguish it from other forms of communication.
In linguistics, these features help define what makes human language unique. Here are the
main ones:

1. Arbitrariness

• There is no inherent connection between words and their meanings. For example,
the word dog has no natural link to the animal—it’s arbitrary. Different languages
have different words for the same thing (e.g., chien in French, perro in Spanish).

2. Productivity (Creativity)

• Language allows users to create and understand an infinite number of new


sentences. People can generate new expressions that have never been said before,
and others will still understand them.

3. Displacement

• Humans can talk about things that are not present in time or space. We can discuss
the past, future, imaginary situations, and abstract concepts like love or justice.

4. Duality of Patterning

• Language operates on two levels:

o Sounds (Phonemes): Individual sounds (e.g., p, t, k) have no meaning on


their own.

o Meaningful Units (Morphemes, Words): When combined, sounds create


words with meaning (e.g., pat, tap, cat).

5. Cultural Transmission

• Language is passed from one generation to the next through social interaction, not
genetics. Children learn the language of their community, not the one they are
biologically programmed for.
6. Interchangeability

• Any speaker of a language can produce and understand the same linguistic signals.
Unlike in some animal communication, where only certain members (e.g., male
birds) produce calls, human language is not restricted.

7. Specialization

• Language can be used to talk about language itself. We can analyze, describe, and
discuss our own speech.

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