Skip to main content

Introduction to Linguistics and Applied Linguistics

Linguistics is a field dedicated to the scientific study of language, aiming to understand the structural and functional aspects of how humans communicate. G.H. Lewes, in The Study of Psychology, suggests that language is as essential to human nature as wings are to birds: “Just as birds have wings, man has language.” Language serves as the medium through which humans express intellect and emotions, making it a unique feature of human existence.

Understanding Language

Language permeates all aspects of human interaction. Whether conversing with family, colleagues, strangers, or even pets, we are constantly surrounded by language. In addition to face-to-face communication, we engage with language through television, radio, and digital platforms, adding to the constant “torrent of words.” Humans alone possess the ability to use words and create complex systems of language.

According to linguist Henry Sweet, language is “the expression of ideas by means of speech sounds combined into words.” Further, R.H. Robins describes language as a symbolic system shaped by arbitrary conventions that adapt to speakers' evolving needs. Renowned linguist Noam Chomsky also emphasizes language as unique to humanity, embodying the “human essence.”

Key Features of Language

Some defining characteristics of language include:

  1. Symbolism: Language relies on symbols, often sounds or written characters, to represent ideas.
  2. Vocal Nature: Language primarily involves spoken words.
  3. Dual Aspect: Language serves both individual expression and social interaction.
  4. Arbitrariness: Language conventions are largely arbitrary, not intrinsically linked to the concepts they represent.
  5. Adaptability: Language can be modified, allowing limitless growth and evolution.
  6. Information Transmission: Language is a key medium for sharing knowledge and emotions.
  7. Structure and Meaning: Variations in word arrangement can alter meanings within the same language system.

Defining Linguistics

Linguistics differs from philology in its approach, as it focuses on a descriptive, synchronic (present-focused) study rather than a historical one. The primary role of a linguist is to analyze language data, develop theories, and predict language patterns. Linguistics shares commonalities with disciplines like cultural anthropology, psychology, and biology (neurology, in particular), which also study aspects of human behavior and the mind. Literature, too, is deeply connected to linguistics, as language is foundational to all written and spoken art forms.

Branches of Linguistics

Linguistics comprises several branches:

  • Comparative Linguistics: Examines historical relationships between languages, comparing them across various parameters.
  • Historical Linguistics: Studies the evolution and divergence of languages over time.

In addition, there are specialized fields such as psycholinguistics (studying the psychological aspects of language), structural linguistics, neurolinguistics, and others. Modern linguistics is largely influenced by Ferdinand de Saussure, whose book A Course in General Linguistics laid the groundwork for the field.

Principles of Modern Linguistics

  1. All languages have equal potential.
  2. No language is inherently “corrupt” or “pure.”
  3. Spoken language is primary; humans first learn to speak, then to write.
  4. Linguistics is descriptive rather than prescriptive.
  5. Language change is a natural phenomenon across all languages.

Linguistics provides an essential framework for understanding human communication, enabling insights into the nature, structure, and societal functions of language.

Ardhendu De

Labels

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Drop any query, suggestion or comment here.

Other Fat Writing

Popular posts from this blog

Dr. West’s New Method of Teaching English :Its Merits and Demerits

                 D r. Michael Philip West (1888–1973) conducted an extensive research and experiments on the problems of teaching English as a foreign language in India at the time of British rule . Read More Teaching English The new method is the outcome of his research. It stood as a reaction against the Direct Method. Going into more details, when Dr. West came to visit rural Bengal students (1913- 19) en route teaching job at Teachers’ Training College  at Dhaka, West's conclusions about English learning issues in Bengal, India were as follows: 👉Students spent about 10 hours a week on English study with extremely poor results. 👉Only a minority reached the Matriculation class due to health or financial reasons. Read More  Teaching English 👉Even in the Matriculation class, students lacked real reading ability, speaking fluency, and writing proficiency in English. 👉A 1919 Calcutta University...
6 comments
Read more

Dr. Samuel Johnson's "Preface to Shakespeare": Points to Remember

E ighteenth-century writer Samuel Johnson ((1709-1784) is one of the most significant figures in English literature. His fame is due in part to a widely read biography of him, written by his friend James Boswell and published in 1791. Although probably best known for compiling his celebrated dictionary, Johnson was an extremely prolific writer who worked in a variety of fields and forms. Chief Critical Approaches of Dr. Johnson are: Johnson tried teaching and later organized a school in Lichfield. His educational ventures were not successful, however, although one of his students, David Garrick, later famous as an actor, became a lifelong friend.
40 comments
Read more

Kinds of Poetry: Narrative, Lyric, and Dramatic

Introduction: Poetry is a form of literary expression that has captivated readers and listeners for centuries. It allows poets to convey their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a condensed and artistic manner. While there are countless poetic forms and styles, poetry can be broadly categorized into three main kinds: Narrative, Lyric, and Dramatic. Each of these kinds has distinct characteristics, purposes, and examples that showcase the rich diversity within the world of poetry. Kinds of poetry :  There are three great kinds of poetic writing: Narrative, Lyric, and Dramatic. Narrative poetry: Narrative poetry tells a story with a plot, characters, and a setting. It  is one of the oldest and most straightforward forms of poetry. It tells a story, often in a chronological sequence, using poetic devices to create a vivid and engaging narrative. Some key points about narrative poetry include: Storytelling: Narrative poetry focuses on storytelling, using poetic language to c...
1 comment
Read more