第一章1.What is language? Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication 2.Design features of language ①Arbitrariness( 任意性 )refers to the forms of linguistic signs bear no natural relationship to their meaning. (sounds and meanings) ②Duality（ 二层性）:The property of having two levels of structures, such that units of the primary level are composed of elements of the secondary level and each of the two levels has its own principles of organization. ③ Productivity/creativity(创 造 性 ） :Language is productive in that it makes possible the construction and interpretation of new signals by its users. ④Displacement( 移位性 ):Human Languages enable their users to symbolize objects, events and concepts which are not present (in time and space) at moment of communication. (p7) 3. Functions of language ① Informative( 信息功能 ): to give information about facts. (ideational) ② Interpersonal( 人际功能 ): to establish and maintain social status in a society.(age, sex, language, background, accent, status) ③ Performative( 施为功能 ) : language is used to do things, to perform certain actions. (name, promise, apologize, sorry, declare) ④. Emotive/Expressive ( 情感功能 ): to express feelings and attitudes of the speaker. ⑤Phatic communion( 寒暄交流 ) : to use small and meaningless expressions to establish a comfortable relationship or maintain social contact between people without any factual content. (Health, weather) ⑥ Recreational function( 娱乐 ): the use of language for sheer joy. (lyrics, poetry) ⑦Metalingual function( 元语言功能 ): to talk about language itself. 4. What is linguistics? Linguistics is generally defined as the scientific study of language. 5. Important distinc...
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