This document contains answers to 4 questions about language studies. In the first question, the definition of language is discussed and each element is explained. The second question talks about how linguistics relates to other fields like psychology, sociology, philosophy, and computer science. The third question discusses the innate human capacity for language learning. The last question examines how literature can be used for language teaching by improving cultural knowledge, grammar/vocabulary, and critical thinking skills.

1. Exam Language Studies
2020
BS ENGLISH
NAME

2. Question 1: Language may be defined as “a system of arbitrary vocal symbols by
which thought is conveyed from one human being to the other." Comment
briefly on each of the elements of this definition: system, arbitrary, vocal, symbol, a vehicle
of thought.
Answer: The definition of Language that has been defined in the question, consists of a few
elements. Each element will be discussed regarding the language definition and the context in
which they have been used. For Instance, the system can be explained as a method, as an
organized way or process in which certain things are involved, Language is considered to be
as a process of interaction that is organized and have specific patterns. It consists of an
arbitrary system that means that the choice of patterns and processes are random and they are
chosen according to the situation and circumstances in which the Language is spoken. As
different people speak differently, so the system of Language is referred to as arbitrary that
has been chosen random wise.
Moreover, vocal means in terms of speaking, in terms of sounds rather than in writing. The
vocal dealing in the Language is significant, and it is a method for interaction while using a
language. The last element was a vehicle of thought that means the way of communication
and the medium through which the context is transferred to the targeted person.
To conclude, Language is an organized process of choosing random speaking words
according to the situation that helps to transfer a particular thought from one person to
another. Hence, the definition of Language is precisely and accurately defined.
Question 2: “Language has so many interrelations with various aspects of human life.
Linguistics, therefore, is not isolated and wholly autonomous. It draws
upon several sciences and, in turn, makes its essential contribution to these disciplines.”
Answer: The above statements explain that in Language, linguistics is not the only science
that deals with the study of Language and have an impact on language studies. The human
life consists of different aspects in which the Language has its influences and hence those
aspects and factors should be studied for a better understanding of the language systems.
Other fields of science relate to Language and influence human life. For instance, Psychology
is the study of the human mind and its behavior. This study will support language studies
concerning the study of human behavior and the thoughts that are produced in that particular
person. This might help the conveyer to use Language according to the psychology of the
receiver. Similarly, Sociology is the science that deals with the norms, culture and traditions
of a specific society. These studies will contribute to the language studies for better
communication and avoiding the negative factors that may arise due to the wrong usage of
Language.
Moreover, philosophy is a necessary discipline to look for, as it deals with the studies of
general and fundamental problems of any studies. Philosophy will resolve the conflicts and

3. problems in the language studies and can provide better solutions for accurate and efficient
usage of the Language. Another discipline that in the modern world has a significant impact
on language studies in computer science. These studies deal with different computer
languages that help to make programmed applications through which communication is made
effectively accordingly. All these disciplines of science relate to language studies and hence
should be considered.
Question 3: “Human beings are born with an innate capacity to learn Language and
man is unique among all animals in possession of speech. Successive generations seem to
acquire it without training from parents. In this sense, Language exists, and what really
‘happens’ is only the external manifestation of the innate capacity.” Discuss.
Answer: In the above statement, the innate ability that means the capacity of the humans to
adopt the Language is from its birth, and they can learn the Language from childhood.
However, these experiences are learned through the environment in which they live.
Therefore, the Language exists; it is just the external penetration, the reinforcement and
repetition of certain words that make them adopt the things and the Language that they want
to use. The statement discusses that presentation of the external environment and its effects in
learning the Language through the in-born capacity of leaning.
The capacity to learn the Language is already there in the human through its childhood,
through the experiences in the surroundings, the human starts to learn the basics of Language
and get trained through the time. For instance, if pictures are shown to the children without
explaining to them what they are? They will devise their descriptions and will explain them
according to their own experiences and knowledge. This innate ability of learning Language
in human holds tremendous importance in language studies. Thus, for better understanding of
Language and its learning, it is compulsory to devise an appropriate environment that
motivates the learners to adopt the Language, rest is their innate ability that will play a role in
the learning.
Question 4: “Literature is the language for its own sake, the only use of language,
perhaps, where the aim is to use the language.” In light of this statement, discuss how far
literature can be used for language teaching.
Answer: According to the above statement, the literature possesses great importance in the
Language, and it the only way through which the benefits of the Language can be achieved.
The literature can be used in the language teaching through three aspects such as cultural
aspects, the literature that will deal with different cultures and tradition’s in the particular
society, these works of literature will help the learners to adopt different cultures and will
increase their exposure towards different societies. This will increase their knowledge and
can enhance the capacity of new ideas. The other literature is the Language one where the
literature is used in grammatical and vocabulary sense; this literature will clarify the grammar

4. and will improve the vocabulary of the learners. This will allow the learners to have a firm
grip on the Language, and they can efficiently use the Language.
Similarly, the growth literature, where the learners tend to read for pleasure and can create
their ideas regarding that topic. For instance, for different readers, content perception is
different. This will increase their critical thinking ability and problem-solving skills towards a
particular topic. They will discuss the literature through their knowledge and will build facts
that will support their arguments. The use of literature through these patterns will provide
learners excellent learning opportunity of the Language, and it will enhance not only their
reading and writing skills but also their critical analysis skills.