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Comm Studies_Language-Lecture 2

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Comm Studies_Language-Lecture 2

Uploaded by

chenelescotland
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Langua

ge
Facilitator: Mr. Presley Smith
Agenda

1. Differentiate between
language and a language
2. Characteristics of language
3. Functions of Language
4. Purposes of Language

Langugae 2
Language is a communication method used by humans to
convey ideas, feelings, and information through written
forms, sounds, gestures, and symbols. It is made up of a
collection of rules that control the way words and sentences
are put together to express meaning, such as grammar and
syntax. A vital tool for social interaction, cultural expression,
and cognitive growth, language can be written, spoken, or
signed.

A language is a particular group's use of a particular


collection of sounds, symbols, and norms (e.g., French,
Japanese). Vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and cultural
quirks are all distinct features of a language.

To put it another way, language is a broader term than a


language, which is a specific variety spoken by a particular
speech community. Language refers to the system of human
communication.
Presentation title Capitalizing the 'L' in the broader phrase is 3
The people of a certain nation, area, or group utilize a
language, which is a structured system of
communication made up of a set of sounds, signs, and/or
written symbols, for writing, speaking, and interacting.

Language is a communication system that uses either


nonverbal or spoken signals to convey information. A
system of systems is language!

Phonetics and phonology (sounds), morphology and


lexicology (words), syntax (grammar), discourse analysis
(sentences), and semantics (meaning) are subsystems of
language.
Language
Language combines a wide variety of features and is the
most precise and complex means of communication that
exists.

Language is one of a range of means of communication.


It is not to be regarded as just another form of
communication. It is perhaps the most complex of all. It
is flexible, dynamic, systematic, creative and socially
governed. It is to be distinguished from all other forms
of communication, both human and non-human,
because it does more than simply communicate.

There is a popular misconception that language is just


another form of communication. It is important to note
that language is not like other forms of communication
and that in fact it is a peculiarly human phenomenon,
though many of its features are to be found in other
forms of communication.

5
Types of Language

There are two


types of
languages:
denotative and
connotative
language.
Denotative
language is
language
interpreted literally
while connotative
language has
emotive shades of
meaning.
6
Functions of Language

 Language is a marker of evolution for the


human species
 Language offers human beings the means
of expressing themselves verbally.
 Language is extensive, meaning that the
ability to speak separates us from all other
species.
 Language stands as being widely creative.
 Language has identity, meaning that you
begin to identify people based on his or
her use of language. It creates personal
identity. 7
Characteristics of Language
 Language has a human characteristic. Only
humans have the physical capability to
pronounce the wide variety of sounds that
are used in world’s languages. Language
must be sound based. However, it is not
necessary to write it to be considered a
language. Communication must take place
for it to be considered a language.
Mutual intelligibility: where information could
be passed on and understand.
Note that, in order for a language to become a
standard form, it must be written. 8
Characteristics of Language
• Language is verbal. It is based on
recognizable sounds.

• Language is symbolic. This means that it


uses words as representations or symbols of
ideas. Most words have an arbitrary but
mutually agreed relationship between the
symbol and the meaning. Symbolism in
language ensures that ideas are easily shared
among speakers of the same language.
Dictionaries are actually records of the
symbolic meaning of the words in a language.
They ensure that the symbolism remains
consistent despite the advent of new 9

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