Introduction to Language and Linguistics 001: What do you know when you know a language? - introduction to the core subdisciplines of linguistics (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics)

1. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics
What do you know when you know a language?
Dr. Meagan Louie
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 1 / 50

2. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Q: What is Language?
.Q: What counts as a LANGUAGE?
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 2 / 50

3. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Q: What is Language?
.Q: What counts as a LANGUAGE?
1 English, Thai, Blackfoot?
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 2 / 50

4. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Q: What is Language?
.Q: What counts as a LANGUAGE?
1 English, Thai, Blackfoot?
2 ASL, LSQ, TSL?
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 2 / 50

5. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Q: What is Language?
.Q: What counts as a LANGUAGE?
1 English, Thai, Blackfoot?
2 ASL, LSQ, TSL?
3 Java, Perl, C++?
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 2 / 50

6. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Q: What is Language?
.Q: What counts as a LANGUAGE?
1 English, Thai, Blackfoot?
2 ASL, LSQ, TSL?
3 Java, Perl, C++?
4 Greek alphabet, Pinyin,
Hiragana?
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 2 / 50

7. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Q: What is Language?
.Q: What counts as a LANGUAGE?
1 English, Thai, Blackfoot?
2 ASL, LSQ, TSL?
3 Java, Perl, C++?
4 Greek alphabet, Pinyin,
Hiragana?
5 Hànzin/Kanji, Hieroglyphs?
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 2 / 50

8. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Q: What is Language?
.Q: What counts as a LANGUAGE?
1 English, Thai, Blackfoot?
2 ASL, LSQ, TSL?
3 Java, Perl, C++?
4 Greek alphabet, Pinyin,
Hiragana?
5 Hànzin/Kanji, Hieroglyphs?
6 l33t, Textspeak,
Emoticons/Emoji?
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 2 / 50

9. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Q: What is Language?
.Q: What counts as a LANGUAGE?
1 English, Thai, Blackfoot?
2 ASL, LSQ, TSL?
3 Java, Perl, C++?
4 Greek alphabet, Pinyin,
Hiragana?
5 Hànzin/Kanji, Hieroglyphs?
6 l33t, Textspeak,
Emoticons/Emoji?
7 Traffic signs, Traffic light
symbols?
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 2 / 50

10. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Q: What is Language?
.Q: What counts as a LANGUAGE?
1 English, Thai, Blackfoot?
2 ASL, LSQ, TSL?
3 Java, Perl, C++?
4 Greek alphabet, Pinyin,
Hiragana?
5 Hànzin/Kanji, Hieroglyphs?
6 l33t, Textspeak,
Emoticons/Emoji?
7 Traffic signs, Traffic light
symbols?
8 Drawing, Painting, Photography?
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 2 / 50

11. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Q: What is Language?
.Q: What counts as a LANGUAGE?
1 English, Thai, Blackfoot?
2 ASL, LSQ, TSL?
3 Java, Perl, C++?
4 Greek alphabet, Pinyin,
Hiragana?
5 Hànzin/Kanji, Hieroglyphs?
6 l33t, Textspeak,
Emoticons/Emoji?
7 Traffic signs, Traffic light
symbols?
8 Drawing, Painting, Photography?
9 Instrumental music?
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 2 / 50

12. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Question to Ponder: Hockett’s Design Features of Language
.Q: What properties does LANGUAGE have?
mmmi.e., what counts as a LANGUAGE (vs communication system)?
Charles F. Hockett (1916-2000)
proposed several criteria that a
communication system must have in
order to count as a language
What properties do you think a
language needs?
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 3 / 50

13. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Q: What is Language?
.Q: Do these count as languages
mmmaccording to your criteria?
1 English, Thai, Blackfoot?
2 ASL, LSQ, TSL?
3 Java, Perl, C++?
4 Greek alphabet, Pinyin,
Hiragana?
5 Hànzin/Kanji, Hieroglyphs?
6 l33t, Textspeak,
Emoticons/Emoji?
7 Traffic signs, Traffic light
symbols?
8 Drawing, Painting, Photography?
9 Instrumental music?
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 4 / 50

14. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Question to Ponder: Hockett’s Design Features of Language
.Q: What properties does LANGUAGE have?
mmmi.e., what counts as a LANGUAGE (vs communication system)?
Hockett’s Design Features
1 Discreteness
2 Semanticity
3 Arbitrariness
4 Productivity
5 Prevarication
6 Duality of Patterning
7 Displacement
8 ...
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 5 / 50

15. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Q: What is Linguistics?
Linguistics is the systematic study of language
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 6 / 50

16. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Q: What is Linguistics?
Linguistics is the systematic study of language
Taking a SCIENTIFIC APPROACH to studying language:
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 6 / 50

17. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Q: What is Linguistics?
Linguistics is the systematic study of language
Taking a SCIENTIFIC APPROACH to studying language:
1 Observe some language phenomena, and ask a question
2 Make a hypothesis about the phenomena
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 6 / 50

18. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Q: What is Linguistics?
Linguistics is the systematic study of language
Taking a SCIENTIFIC APPROACH to studying language:
1 Observe some language phenomena, and ask a question
2 Make a hypothesis about the phenomena
3 Test the predictions that your hypothesis makes
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 6 / 50

19. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Q: What is Linguistics?
Linguistics is the systematic study of language
Taking a SCIENTIFIC APPROACH to studying language:
1 Observe some language phenomena, and ask a question
2 Make a hypothesis about the phenomena
3 Test the predictions that your hypothesis makes
4 Revise your hypothesis
5 Test your revised hypothesis
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 6 / 50

20. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Q: What is Linguistics?
Linguistics is the systematic study of language
Taking a SCIENTIFIC APPROACH to studying language:
1 Observe some language phenomena, and ask a question
2 Make a hypothesis about the phenomena
3 Test the predictions that your hypothesis makes
4 Revise your hypothesis
5 Test your revised hypothesis
6 Repeat steps 4 and 5
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 6 / 50

21. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Q: What is Linguistics?
Linguistics is the systematic study of language
Taking a SCIENTIFIC APPROACH to studying language:
1 Observe some language phenomena, and ask a question
2 Make a hypothesis about the phenomena
3 Test the predictions that your hypothesis makes
4 Revise your hypothesis
5 Test your revised hypothesis
6 Repeat steps 4 and 5
Q: So what is language?
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 6 / 50

22. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
The Core Subdomains of Linguistics
Language is a complex thing that consists of many different parts
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 7 / 50

23. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
The Core Subdomains of Linguistics
Language is a complex thing that consists of many different parts
Linguistics likewise, can be broken down into different parts
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 7 / 50

24. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
The Core Subdomains of Linguistics
Language is a complex thing that consists of many different parts
Linguistics likewise, can be broken down into different parts
Phonetics
Phonology
Morphology
Syntax
Semantics
Pragmatics
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 7 / 50

25. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 1b
Q: What is a Language?
.Q: What is a Language?
Hypothesis 1: A language is a collection of sounds
English = { p, t, k, tS, s, S, T, f, b, d, g, z, D, v, i, u, ej, ,... }
French = { p, t, k, S, s, f, b, d, g, z, Z, i, y, e, ...}
Thai = { p, ph
, b, t, th
, d, k, kh
, i, W, @, e, ...}
Blackfoot = {p, t, k, i, o, a.. }
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 8 / 50

26. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 1b
Core Subdomains: Phonetics
Phonetics is the study of speech sounds
(i) How do you make these sounds?
(ii) What properties do these sounds have?
(iii) etc.
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 9 / 50

27. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 1b
Q: What is a Language?
.Q: What is a Language?
Hypothesis 1: A language is a collection of sounds
English = {p, b, t, d, k, g, s, z, f, v, tS, S, dZ, T, D, i, u, ej, ,... }
French = {p, b, t, d, k, g, s, z, f, v, S, Z, i, y, e, œ...}
Thai = {p, ph
, b, t, th
, d, k, kh
, c, ch
, s, i, u, W, @, e, ...}
Blackfoot = {p, t, k, i, o, a.. }
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 10 / 50

28. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 1b
Q: What is a Language?
.Q: What is a Language?
Hypothesis 1: A language is a collection of sounds
English = {p, b, t, d, k, g, s, z, f, v, tS, S, dZ, T, D, i, u, ej, ,... }
French = {p, b, t, d, k, g, s, z, f, v, S, Z, i, y, e, œ...}
Thai = {p, ph
, b, t, th
, d, k, kh
, c, ch
, s, i, u, W, @, e, ...}
Blackfoot = {p, t, k, i, o, a.. }
Prediction 1: If I learn the sounds of a language,
mmmmmmmmmI’ll know the language!
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 10 / 50

29. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 1b
Hypothesis 1: A language is a collection of sounds
.H1: A language is a collection of sounds
(Dumb) Prediction: If you learn the sounds of a language,
mmmyou’ll know the language!
Blackfoot: mmm{i, a, o, p, t, k, P, m, n, s, w, j, ts
, ks
}
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 11 / 50

30. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 1b
Hypothesis 1: A language is a collection of sounds
.H1: A language is a collection of sounds
(Dumb) Prediction: If you learn the sounds of a language,
mmmyou’ll know the language!
Blackfoot: mmm{i, a, o, p, t, k, P, m, n, s, w, j, ts
, ks
}
...so can you speak Blackfoot now?
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 11 / 50

31. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 1b
Hypothesis 1: A language is a collection of sounds
.H1: A language is a collection of sounds
(Dumb) Prediction: If you learn the sounds of a language,
mmmyou’ll know the language!
Blackfoot: mmm{i, a, o, p, t, k, P, m, n, s, w, j, ts
, ks
}
...so can you speak Blackfoot now?
...Can you even pretend like you’re speaking Blackfoot?
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 11 / 50

32. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 1b
Hypothesis 1: A language is a collection of sounds
A language can’t just be an unstructured set of sounds
(1) a. [ph
it] English
b. [ph
luk] English-ish
c. *[pti] *[pTDSk] Not English
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 12 / 50

33. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 1b
Hypothesis 1: A language is a collection of sounds
A language can’t just be an unstructured set of sounds
(1) a. [ph
it] English
b. [ph
luk] English-ish
c. *[pti] *[pTDSk] Not English
Observation: Sounds restricted in how they combine into syllables
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 12 / 50

34. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 1b
Hypothesis 1: A language is a collection of sounds
A language can’t just be an unstructured set of sounds
(1) a. [ph
it] English
b. [ph
luk] English-ish
c. *[pti] *[pTDSk] Not English
Observation: Sounds restricted in how they combine into syllables
Sounds should be categorized, eg. into consonants and vowels
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 12 / 50

35. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 1b
Hypothesis 1: A language is a collection of sounds
A language can’t just be an unstructured set of sounds
(1) a. [ph
it] English
b. [ph
luk] English-ish
c. *[pti] *[pTDSk] Not English
Observation: Sounds restricted in how they combine into syllables
Sounds should be categorized, eg. into consonants and vowels
This should be represented in our model of language
English = { {p, t, k, tS, S, D, T,...}, {i,u, ej, ...} }
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 12 / 50

36. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 1b
Phonology
Phonology is the study of how speech sounds pattern
(i) What sounds are there?
(ii) What sorts of categories do speech sounds fall into?
(iii) How can these sounds combine?
(iv) etc.
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 13 / 50

37. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 1b
Phonology
Phonology is the study of how speech sounds pattern
(i) What sounds are there?
(ii) What sorts of categories do speech sounds fall into?
(iii) How can these sounds combine?
(iv) etc.
Hypothesis 1b: A language is a structured collection of sounds
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 13 / 50

38. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 1b
Phonology
Phonology is the study of how speech sounds pattern
(i) What sounds are there?
(ii) What sorts of categories do speech sounds fall into?
(iii) How can these sounds combine?
(iv) etc.
Hypothesis 1b: A language is a structured collection of sounds
Prediction 1b: If I learn the sounds of the language, and rules
about how they can combine, I can speak the language!
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 13 / 50

39. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 1b
Hypothesis 1b: A language is a structured collection of
sounds
.H1b: A language is a structured collection of sounds
Prediction 1b: If I learn the sounds of the language, and rules
about how they can combine, I can speak the language!
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 14 / 50

40. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 1b
Hypothesis 1b: A language is a structured collection of
sounds
.H1b: A language is a structured collection of sounds
Prediction 1b: If I learn the sounds of the language, and rules
about how they can combine, I can speak the language!
But then what about this guy?
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 14 / 50

41. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 1b
Observation: Language is about more than sounds
Consider the following sequence:
STAGE 1: I think of something
(Thought 1)
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 15 / 50

42. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 1b
Observation: Language is about more than sounds
Consider the following sequence:
STAGE 1: I think of something
(Thought 1)
STAGE 2: You know the content
of Thought 1
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 15 / 50

43. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 1
Hypothesis 1b
Observation: Language is about more than sounds
Consider the following sequence:
STAGE 1: I think of something
(Thought 1)
STAGE 2: You know the content
of Thought 1
Question: How do we get from
Stage One to Stage 2?
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 15 / 50

44. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
Q: What is Language?
Hypothesis 1b:
mmmA language is a structured collection of sounds ×
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 16 / 50

45. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
Q: What is Language?
Hypothesis 1b:
mmmA language is a structured collection of sounds ×
There’s more to language than just sounds
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 16 / 50

46. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
Q: What is Language?
Hypothesis 1b:
mmmA language is a structured collection of sounds ×
There’s more to language than just sounds
The sounds of a language combine to form words.
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 16 / 50

47. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
Q: What is Language?
Hypothesis 2: A language is a collection of words
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 17 / 50

48. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
Q: What is Language?
Hypothesis 2: A language is a collection of words
English = {dog, cat, apple, the, a/some, run, eat, red, fat, be, on ...}
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 17 / 50

49. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
Q: What is Language?
Hypothesis 2: A language is a collection of words
English = {dog, cat, apple, the, a/some, run, eat, red, fat, be, on ...}
French = {chien, chat, pomme, le/la/les, un/une/des,
courir/cours/court/courons/courez/courent/couru/
courais/courait..., manger, rouge, gros, être/..., sur, ...}
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 17 / 50

50. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
Q: What is Language?
Hypothesis 2: A language is a collection of words
English = {dog, cat, apple, the, a/some, run, eat, red, fat, be, on ...}
French = {chien, chat, pomme, le/la/les, un/une/des,
courir/cours/court/courons/courez/courent/couru/
courais/courait..., manger, rouge, gros, être/..., sur, ...}
Thai = {หมา, แมว, แอปเปิ้ล, วิ่ง, กิน, แดง, อ้วน, เป็น/อยู่, ... }
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 17 / 50

51. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
Q: What is Language?
Hypothesis 2: A language is a collection of words
English = {dog, cat, apple, the, a/some, run, eat, red, fat, be, on ...}
French = {chien, chat, pomme, le/la/les, un/une/des,
courir/cours/court/courons/courez/courent/couru/
courais/courait..., manger, rouge, gros, être/..., sur, ...}
Thai = {หมา, แมว, แอปเปิ้ล, วิ่ง, กิน, แดง, อ้วน, เป็น/อยู่, ... }
Blackfoot = {imitaa, poos, aapastaaminaam,
amo/omi/oma/omistsi/omiksi, okska’si, ooyi/owatoo/oowat,
maohksinattsi, omaahk-a’pii, it-ohkit-, ...}
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 17 / 50

52. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
Q: What is Language?
Hypothesis 2: A language is a collection of words
English = {dog, cat, apple, the, a/some, run, eat, red, fat, be, on ...}
French = {chien, chat, pomme, le/la/les, un/une/des,
courir/cours/court/courons/courez/courent/couru/
courais/courait..., manger, rouge, gros, être/..., sur, ...}
Thai = {หมา, แมว, แอปเปิ้ล, วิ่ง, กิน, แดง, อ้วน, เป็น/อยู่, ... }
Blackfoot = {imitaa, poos, aapastaaminaam,
amo/omi/oma/omistsi/omiksi, okska’si, ooyi/owatoo/oowat,
maohksinattsi, omaahk-a’pii, it-ohkit-, ...}
But a language can’t just be an unstructured set of words:
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 17 / 50

53. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
What’s a Language?
Hypothesis 2: A language is a collection of words
(2) a. *nit-opii
I-sit
it-ohkit-
RR-on-
omi
that
ponokaomitaa
horse
Target: I rode/sat on that horse
b. nit-it-ohkit-opii
I-RR-on-sit
omi
that
ponokaomitaa
horse
“I rode/sat on that horse.”
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 18 / 50

54. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
What’s a Language?
Hypothesis 2: A language is a collection of words
(2) a. *nit-opii
I-sit
it-ohkit-
RR-on-
omi
that
ponokaomitaa
horse
Target: I rode/sat on that horse
b. nit-it-ohkit-opii
I-RR-on-sit
omi
that
ponokaomitaa
horse
“I rode/sat on that horse.”
If Blackfoot is a set of words, why can’t I say something like (2b)?
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 18 / 50

55. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
What’s a Language?
Hypothesis 2: A language is a collection of words
(3) a. *Le
the
chien
dog
a
have.3sg
mangé
eat.PTC
la
the.f
rouge
red
pomme
apple
Target: The dog ate the red apple.
b. Le chien a mangé la pomme rouge
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 19 / 50

56. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
What’s a Language?
Hypothesis 2: A language is a collection of words
(3) a. *Le
the
chien
dog
a
have.3sg
mangé
eat.PTC
la
the.f
rouge
red
pomme
apple
Target: The dog ate the red apple.
b. Le chien a mangé la pomme rouge
If French is just a set of words, why can’t I say something like (3a)?
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 19 / 50

57. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
What’s a Language?
Observation: Only some English words can appear in the position
marked in red (i.e., in the frame ’The ..... dog’)
(4) a. The red dog ran
b. The fat dog ran
c. *The apple dog ran
d. *The eat dog ran
e. *The a dog ran
f. *The with dog ran
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 20 / 50

58. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
What’s a Language?
Observation: Only some English words can appear in the position
marked in red (i.e., in the frame ’The ..... dog’)
(4) a. The red dog ran
b. The fat dog ran
c. *The apple dog ran
d. *The eat dog ran
e. *The a dog ran
f. *The with dog ran
If English was just a set of words, we wouldn’t be able to account
for why only some words can occur in this position
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 20 / 50

59. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
What’s a Language?
(5) a. The red dog ran
b. The fat dog ran
c. *The apple dog ran
d. *The eat dog ran
e. *The a dog ran
(6) a. The red dog ran
b. A red dog ran
c. *Eat red dog ran
d. *Cat red dog ran
e. *on red dog ran
(7) a. The red dog ran
b. The red dog ate
c. *The red dog cat
d. *The red dog a
e. *The red dog on
(8) a. The red dog ran
b. The red cat ran
c. *The red eat ran
d. *The red a ran
e. *The red on ran
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 21 / 50

60. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
What’s a Language?
Observation: Different words have different distributions
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 22 / 50

61. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
What’s a Language?
Observation: Different words have different distributions
We can account for this if language puts words into different
categories
Nouns Verbs Adjectives Determiners Prepositions
cat, dog,... eat, run,... red, fat,... the, a,... under, on,...
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 22 / 50

62. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
What’s a Language?
Observation: Different words have different distributions
We can account for this if language puts words into different
categories
Nouns Verbs Adjectives Determiners Prepositions
cat, dog,... eat, run,... red, fat,... the, a,... under, on,...
Question: Is there any independent evidence for these categories?
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 22 / 50

63. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
What’s a Language?
Hypothesis 2b: Language is a collection of words that fall into
specific word-categories, eg., N, V, Adj, Det, P
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 23 / 50

64. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
What’s a Language?
Hypothesis 2b: Language is a collection of words that fall into
specific word-categories, eg., N, V, Adj, Det, P
Independent Evidence: Only nouns can be pluralized
N V Adj Det P
cat, dog,... eat, run,... red, fat,... the, a,... under, on,...
cat-s, dog-s *eat-s, *run-s *red-s, *fat-s *the-s, *a-s *under-s,
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 23 / 50

65. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
What’s a Language?
Independent Evidence: Only verbs can be past tense
N V Adj Det
cat, dog,... smile, walk,... red, fat,... the, a,...
*cat-ed, *dog-ed smile-d, walk-ed *red-ed, *fat-ed *the-ed, *a-ed
Independent Evidence: Only adjectives can be superlative
N V Adj Det
cat, dog,... smile, walk,... red, fat,... the, a,...
*cat-est, *dog-est smile-st, walk-est reddest, fattest *the-est, *a-est
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 24 / 50

66. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
Syntax and Morphology
Observation: The "collection of words" that make up (part of) a
language is structured in terms of
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 25 / 50

67. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
Syntax and Morphology
Observation: The "collection of words" that make up (part of) a
language is structured in terms of
(i) The external distribution of words
(eg., where words of a certain category can occur within a phrase or
sentence)
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 25 / 50

68. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
Syntax and Morphology
Observation: The "collection of words" that make up (part of) a
language is structured in terms of
(i) The external distribution of words
(eg., where words of a certain category can occur within a phrase or
sentence)
(ii) The internal structure of words
(eg., what things ("morphemes") can be be combined to form words)
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 25 / 50

69. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 2
Hypothesis 2b
Syntax and Morphology
Syntax is the study of how words combine to form sentences
(i) "word order"
(ii) How to form phrases and sentences
(iii) How to categorize types of phrases, types of sentences
(iv) etc.
Morphology is the study of words
(i) How to categorize words
(ii) How to form words
(iii) etc.
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 26 / 50

70. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Q: What is Language?
Hypothesis 3: Language consists of:
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 27 / 50

71. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Q: What is Language?
Hypothesis 3: Language consists of:
(i) A structured collection of sounds
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 27 / 50

72. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Q: What is Language?
Hypothesis 3: Language consists of:
(i) A structured collection of sounds
Instructions about how to make them PHONETICS
Rules re: how these sounds combine . PHONOLOGY
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 27 / 50

73. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Q: What is Language?
Hypothesis 3: Language consists of:
(i) A structured collection of sounds
Instructions about how to make them PHONETICS
Rules re: how these sounds combine . PHONOLOGY
(ii) A structured collection of words and "morphemes" LEXICON
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 27 / 50

74. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Q: What is Language?
Hypothesis 3: Language consists of:
(i) A structured collection of sounds
Instructions about how to make them PHONETICS
Rules re: how these sounds combine . PHONOLOGY
(ii) A structured collection of words and "morphemes" LEXICON
Rules re: how morphemes combine into words . MORPHOLOGY
Rules re: how words combine into phrases, sentences . SYNTAX
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 27 / 50

75. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Q: What is Language?
Hypothesis 3: Language consists of:
(i) A structured collection of sounds
Instructions about how to make them PHONETICS
Rules re: how these sounds combine . PHONOLOGY
(ii) A structured collection of words and "morphemes" LEXICON
Rules re: how morphemes combine into words . MORPHOLOGY
Rules re: how words combine into phrases, sentences . SYNTAX
But you need more than these in order to know a language!
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 27 / 50

76. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Recall the Previous Observation
Consider the following sequence:
STAGE 1: I think of something
(Thought 1)
STAGE 2: You know the content
of Thought 1
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 28 / 50

77. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Recall the Previous Observation
Consider the following sequence:
STAGE 1: I think of something
(Thought 1)
STAGE 2: You know the content
of Thought 1
A word is not just a combination of sounds
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 28 / 50

78. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Observation: Words aren’t just sounds.
(9) The butterfly is sitting on the cat’s back.
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 29 / 50

79. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Observation: Words aren’t just sounds.
(9) The butterfly is sitting on the cat’s back.
. True! False!
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 29 / 50

80. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Truth-Conditional Meaning
When you know a language, you know
mmmwhat the world has to look like
mmmin order for a sentence to be true
mmmmmm- i.e., you know its truth-conditions.
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 30 / 50

81. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Observation: Words aren’t just sounds.
(10) Harry Potter is wearing glasses
mmm(10) is true in World 1, 3, and 4!
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 31 / 50

82. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Observation: Words aren’t just sounds.
(11) Harry Potter is wearing round glasses
mmm(11) is only true in World 1
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 32 / 50

83. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Truth-Conditional Meaning
When you know a language, you know what the world has to look like in
order for a sentence to be true - i.e., you know its truth-conditions.
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 33 / 50

84. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Truth-Conditional Meaning
When you know a language, you know what the world has to look like in
order for a sentence to be true - i.e., you know its truth-conditions.
You have to know
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 33 / 50

85. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Truth-Conditional Meaning
When you know a language, you know what the world has to look like in
order for a sentence to be true - i.e., you know its truth-conditions.
You have to know
(i) The meaning of words - eg., what they refer to, and
(ii) How the meanings of the words combine to form the meanings of
phrases and sentences
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 33 / 50

86. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Semantics
Semantics is the study of meaning
(i) The meaning of words
. LEXICAL SEMANTICS
(ii) How the meanings of words combine to form the meaning (i.e.,
truth-conditions) of sentences
. COMPOSITIONAL SEMANTICS
(iii) etc.
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 34 / 50

87. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Q: What is Language?
Hypothesis 3b: Language consists of:
1Where words and "morphemes" and sound, meaning pairs.
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 35 / 50

88. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Q: What is Language?
Hypothesis 3b: Language consists of:
(i) A structured collection of sounds
1Where words and "morphemes" and sound, meaning pairs.
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 35 / 50

89. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Q: What is Language?
Hypothesis 3b: Language consists of:
(i) A structured collection of sounds
Instructions about how to make them PHONETICS
Rules re: how these sounds combine . PHONOLOGY
1Where words and "morphemes" and sound, meaning pairs.
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 35 / 50

90. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Q: What is Language?
Hypothesis 3b: Language consists of:
(i) A structured collection of sounds
Instructions about how to make them PHONETICS
Rules re: how these sounds combine . PHONOLOGY
(ii) A structured collection of words and "morphemes"1
LEXICON
1Where words and "morphemes" and sound, meaning pairs.
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 35 / 50

91. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Q: What is Language?
Hypothesis 3b: Language consists of:
(i) A structured collection of sounds
Instructions about how to make them PHONETICS
Rules re: how these sounds combine . PHONOLOGY
(ii) A structured collection of words and "morphemes"1
LEXICON
Rules re: how morphemes combine into words . MORPHOLOGY
Rules re: how words combine into phrases, sentences . SYNTAX
1Where words and "morphemes" and sound, meaning pairs.
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 35 / 50

92. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Q: What is Language?
Hypothesis 3b: Language consists of:
(i) A structured collection of sounds
Instructions about how to make them PHONETICS
Rules re: how these sounds combine . PHONOLOGY
(ii) A structured collection of words and "morphemes"1
LEXICON
Rules re: how morphemes combine into words . MORPHOLOGY
Rules re: how words combine into phrases, sentences . SYNTAX
Rules re: how the meaning of words/"morphemes" combine into the
meaning (i.e., truth-conditions) of sentences . SEMANTICS
1Where words and "morphemes" and sound, meaning pairs.
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 35 / 50

93. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Are we done yet? Another Observation:
(12) CONTEXT: We’re watching Raven dance right now.
a. Raven is dancing True!
b.#Raven was dancing True!
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 36 / 50

94. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Are we done yet? Another Observation:
(12) CONTEXT: We’re watching Raven dance right now.
a. Raven is dancing True!
b.#Raven was dancing True!
When you know a language, you know more than just how to
calculate the truth-conditions of sentences
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 36 / 50

95. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Are we done yet? Another Observation:
(12) CONTEXT: We’re watching Raven dance right now.
a. Raven is dancing True!
b.#Raven was dancing True!
When you know a language, you know more than just how to
calculate the truth-conditions of sentences
You also know when using sentence is acceptable (felicitous)
regardless of whether or not it’s true
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 36 / 50

96. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Pragmatics
Pragmatics is the study of language in context
(i) The non truth-conditional meanings of words, phrases and sentences
(ii) How these meanings interact with context
(iii) how these meanings interact with truth-conditional meaning
(iv) etc.
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 37 / 50

97. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Hypothesis 4: Language consists of:
2Where words and "morphemes" and sound, meaning pairs.
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 38 / 50

98. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Hypothesis 4: Language consists of:
(i) A structured collection of sounds
2Where words and "morphemes" and sound, meaning pairs.
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 38 / 50

99. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Hypothesis 4: Language consists of:
(i) A structured collection of sounds
Instructions about how to make them PHONETICS
Rules re: how these sounds combine . PHONOLOGY
2Where words and "morphemes" and sound, meaning pairs.
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 38 / 50

100. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Hypothesis 4: Language consists of:
(i) A structured collection of sounds
Instructions about how to make them PHONETICS
Rules re: how these sounds combine . PHONOLOGY
(ii) A structured collection of words and "morphemes"2
LEXICON
2Where words and "morphemes" and sound, meaning pairs.
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 38 / 50

101. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Hypothesis 4: Language consists of:
(i) A structured collection of sounds
Instructions about how to make them PHONETICS
Rules re: how these sounds combine . PHONOLOGY
(ii) A structured collection of words and "morphemes"2
LEXICON
Rules re: how morphemes combine into words . MORPHOLOGY
Rules re: how words combine into phrases, sentences . SYNTAX
Rules re: how the meaning of words/"morphemes" combine into the
meaning (i.e., truth-conditions) of sentences . SEMANTICS
2Where words and "morphemes" and sound, meaning pairs.
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 38 / 50

102. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Hypothesis 3
Hypothesis 3b
Hypothesis 4
Hypothesis 4: Language consists of:
(i) A structured collection of sounds
Instructions about how to make them PHONETICS
Rules re: how these sounds combine . PHONOLOGY
(ii) A structured collection of words and "morphemes"2
LEXICON
Rules re: how morphemes combine into words . MORPHOLOGY
Rules re: how words combine into phrases, sentences . SYNTAX
Rules re: how the meaning of words/"morphemes" combine into the
meaning (i.e., truth-conditions) of sentences . SEMANTICS
Rules re: how to use words/sentences felicitously . PRAGMATICS
2Where words and "morphemes" and sound, meaning pairs.
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 38 / 50

103. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Conclusion: A language consists of
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 39 / 50

104. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Conclusion: A language consists of
(i) A structured collection of sounds Phonetic Inventory
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 39 / 50

105. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Conclusion: A language consists of
(i) A structured collection of sounds Phonetic Inventory
(ii) A repository of meaning Semantic Ontology
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 39 / 50

106. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Conclusion: A language consists of
(i) A structured collection of sounds Phonetic Inventory
(ii) A repository of meaning Semantic Ontology
(iii) Rules about how these elements combine (i.e., the "GRAMMAR")
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 39 / 50

107. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Conclusion: A language consists of
(i) A structured collection of sounds Phonetic Inventory
(ii) A repository of meaning Semantic Ontology
(iii) Rules about how these elements combine (i.e., the "GRAMMAR")
sounds into complex sounds
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 39 / 50

108. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Conclusion: A language consists of
(i) A structured collection of sounds Phonetic Inventory
(ii) A repository of meaning Semantic Ontology
(iii) Rules about how these elements combine (i.e., the "GRAMMAR")
sounds into complex sounds
sound and meanings into sound, meaning pairs
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 39 / 50

109. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Conclusion: A language consists of
(i) A structured collection of sounds Phonetic Inventory
(ii) A repository of meaning Semantic Ontology
(iii) Rules about how these elements combine (i.e., the "GRAMMAR")
sounds into complex sounds
sound and meanings into sound, meaning pairs
morphemes into words
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 39 / 50

110. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Conclusion: A language consists of
(i) A structured collection of sounds Phonetic Inventory
(ii) A repository of meaning Semantic Ontology
(iii) Rules about how these elements combine (i.e., the "GRAMMAR")
sounds into complex sounds
sound and meanings into sound, meaning pairs
morphemes into words
words into phrases and sentences
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 39 / 50

111. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Conclusion: A language consists of
(i) A structured collection of sounds Phonetic Inventory
(ii) A repository of meaning Semantic Ontology
(iii) Rules about how these elements combine (i.e., the "GRAMMAR")
sounds into complex sounds
sound and meanings into sound, meaning pairs
morphemes into words
words into phrases and sentences
simple morpheme meanings into complex meanings
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 39 / 50

112. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Conclusion: A language consists of
(i) A structured collection of sounds Phonetic Inventory
(ii) A repository of meaning Semantic Ontology
(iii) Rules about how these elements combine (i.e., the "GRAMMAR")
sounds into complex sounds
sound and meanings into sound, meaning pairs
morphemes into words
words into phrases and sentences
simple morpheme meanings into complex meanings
complex meanings with context
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 39 / 50

113. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Course Syllabus & Requirements
Grade Breakdown V1 V2 V3
Instagram Homework (10 at 2%) 20% - -
Group Homework/Problem Sets (5 at 5%) 25% 25% -
Midterm 20% 30% 40%
Final EXAM or PROJECT 25% 35% 50%
Participation 10% 10% 10%
OVERALL 100% 100% 100%
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 40 / 50

114. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Course Syllabus & Requirements
Grade Breakdown V1 V2 V3
Instagram Homework (10 at 2%) 20% - -
Group Homework/Problem Sets (5 at 5%) 25% 25% -
Midterm 20% 30% 40%
Final EXAM or PROJECT 25% 35% 50%
Participation 10% 10% 10%
OVERALL 100% 100% 100%
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 41 / 50

115. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Weekly Instagram Homework
. Weekly Instagram Homework 10 x 2% = 20%
Find and explain pieces of linguistic data, or illustrate linguistic concepts
1 IPA Production (5 sounds) eg., [ì], [x], [N], [D], [T]
2 Phonological Minimal Pair eg., /majl/ and /smajl/
3 Morphological Minimal Pair eg., /smAl/ and /smAl-@ô/
4 ...
5 Design Features (Discreteness, Arbitrariness, Prevarication...)
6 ...
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 42 / 50

116. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Course Syllabus & Requirements
Grade Breakdown V1 V2 V3
Instagram Homework (10 at 2%) 20% - -
Group Homework/Problem Sets (5 at 5%) 25% 25% -
Midterm 20% 30% 40%
Final EXAM or PROJECT 25% 35% 50%
Participation 10% 10% 10%
OVERALL 100% 100% 100%
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 43 / 50

117. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Course Syllabus & Requirements
Grade Breakdown V1 V2 V3
Instagram Homework (10 at 2%) 20% - -
Group Homework/Problem Sets (5 at 5%) 25% 25% -
Midterm 20% 30% 40%
Final EXAM or PROJECT 25% 35% 50%
Participation 10% 10% 10%
OVERALL 100% 100% 100%
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 44 / 50

118. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Group Homework/Problem Sets
. Group Homework/Problem Set 5 x 5% = 25%
Solve a linguistic puzzle/data set (i.e., do some linguistic analysis)
1 IPA and Orthography Problem Set
2 Phonology Problem Set
3 Morphology Problem Set
4 Morphosyntax Problem Set
5 Semantics & Pragmatics Problem Set
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 45 / 50

119. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Course Syllabus & Requirements
Grade Breakdown V1 V2 V3
Instagram Homework (10 at 2%) 20% - -
Group Homework/Problem Sets (5 at 5%) 25% 25% -
Midterm 20% 30% 40%
Final EXAM or PROJECT 25% 35% 50%
Participation 10% 10% 10%
OVERALL 100% 100% 100%
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 46 / 50

120. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Course Syllabus & Requirements
Grade Breakdown V1 V2 V3
Instagram Homework (10 at 2%) 20% - -
Group Homework/Problem Sets (5 at 5%) 25% 25% -
Midterm 20% 30% 40%
Final EXAM or PROJECT 25% 35% 50%
Participation 10% 10% 10%
OVERALL 100% 100% 100%
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 47 / 50

121. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Course Syllabus & Requirements
Grade Breakdown V1 V2 V3
Instagram Homework (10 at 2%) 20% - -
Group Homework/Problem Sets (5 at 5%) 25% 25% -
Midterm 20% 30% 40%
Final EXAM or PROJECT 25% 35% 50%
Participation 10% 10% 10%
OVERALL 100% 100% 100%
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 48 / 50

122. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Course Syllabus & Requirements
Grade Breakdown V1 V2 V3
Instagram Homework (10 at 2%) 20% - -
Group Homework/Problem Sets (5 at 5%) 25% 25% -
Midterm 20% 30% 40%
Final EXAM or PROJECT 25% 35% 50%
Participation 10% 10% 10%
OVERALL 100% 100% 100%
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 49 / 50

123. 1 Introduction
2 Phonetics and Phonology
3 Morphology and Syntax
4 Semantics and Pragmatics
5 Conclusion
Final Project Option
. Final Project Option (in lieu of Exam) 25/35%
Present some original linguistic research and analysis
1 Research Proposal (W3)
mmm(Research Question, Data)
2 Progress Report (W6)
mmm(Research Question, Data, Hypothesis, Predictions)
3 First Draft (W11)
mmm(Research Question, Data, Hypothesis, Predictions, Analysis)
4 Final Poster/Presentation (W16)
M. Louie ELC 231: Introduction to Language and Linguistics 50 / 50