This document provides an introduction to the field of linguistics. It defines linguistics as the scientific study of language, analyzing how sounds and meanings are related in human language. The main goals of linguistics are to describe languages, explain people's unconscious knowledge of language, and uncover general principles underlying all human language. Linguistics differs from traditional grammar in that it describes languages based on their own merits rather than imposing categories from other languages, and regards spoken language as primary. Studying linguistics can help language students and teachers better understand language at all levels, from sounds to its relation to the mind, brain, society and more. The scope of linguistics includes subfields that analyze language at both the micro and macro levels.

1. Introduction to
Linguistics

2. Key Points
Definition of Linguistics
Linguistics vs. Traditional Grammar
Use of Studying Linguistics
Scope of Linguistics

3. Definition of Linguistics
The scientific study of language
Analyzes human language as a system for
relating sounds and meanings

4. Two Main Purpose of Linguistics
It studies the nature of language and tries to
establish a theory of language and describes
languages in the light of the theory
established
It examines all the forms of language in
general and seeks a scientific understanding
of the ways in which it is organized to
fulfill the needs it serves and the functions it
performs in human life

5. Goals of Linguistics
To describe language
To explain the unaware knowledge all
speakers have about their language

6. Linguistics vs. Traditional
Grammar
To uncover general principles underlying
human language
To provide reliable descriptions of
individual language

7. Linguistics vs. Traditional
Grammar
Linguistics describes languages and does
not lay rules of correctness.
Linguists regard the spoken language as
prima
Traditional grammar is based on Latin and
it tries to impose the Latin categories and
structures on other languages
Linguistics describes each language on its
own merits

8. Use of Studying Linguistics
FOR A STUDENT OF LANGUAGE
To know the general properties of language
can help the students to have an overview
of the human language which in turn will
stop him asking unnecessary questions.

9. Use of Studying Linguistics
FOR A TEACHER
He will learn about not only how language
is pronounced or structured, but also how it
should be presented to learners.
He will know not only how each level of
the language system is related to other
levels, but also how language is closely
related to many things outside itself. (mind,
brain, society, etc.)

10. Scope of Linguistics
Microlinguistics
– Includes phonetics, phonology, morphology,
syntax, semantics and pragmatics
Macrolinguistics
– Includes sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics,
neurolinguistics, stylistics, discourse analysis,
computational linguistics, cognitive linguisitcs
and applied linguistics

11. Thank You!