Nature of Language

NATURE OF LANGUAGE,

The Symbol System of Verbal Communication

LANGUAGE

* A system of sounds and symbols used to communicate ideas and feelings

FEATURES OF LANGUAGE

1. Language is a system

2. Language is symbolic

3. Language is conventional

4. Language is learned

5. Language changes

CHARACTERISTICS OF LANGUAGE

1. Language has symbols

ELEMENTS

 Written language - letters of the alphabet and punctuation marks

 Spoken language - sounds, pauses, pitch, accent or stress and intonation

NONVERBAL LANGUAGE

 Linguistic symbols like the use of hands, body, face, eyes...

2. Language is rule-governed

Phonological rules

 The formation of sounds into words

Syntactic rules

 The arrangement of words into sentences

Semantic rules

 The way in which the speakers of a language interpret or attach meaning to a particular symbol

Regulative rules

 The appropriate interpretation of a message in a given context

3. Language is a creative act

Language changes

4. Meanings are in people, not words

Would consulting a dictionary be of much help? Not in a very precise way -

 It gives several definitions and it is not always clear which one applies in a given situation

 Choice of words are not found

 Most words are defined by other words

 Nonsensical words

5. Language is culture-bound

Communication takes place among people with a large common background

 Perceive

 Identify

 Interpret

6. Language develops attitudes

Personal names