Language is a complex system of communication that is unique to humans. It uses various systematic elements like sound and grammar to convey meaning. Sound patterns take on meaning when combined according to the rules of a language's grammar, where word order is critical. As a symbolic system, language evolves over time as new words are introduced and meanings of words change, allowing humans to articulate thought.

1. Defining Language

2. Dictionary Definitions
a) A system of communication with its own set
of conventions or special words;
b) Speech peculiar to an ethnic, national or
cultural group;
c) By extension, the articulate or inarticulate
expression of thought and feeling by living
creatures.

3. •Language is COMPLEX!
•Language is separate from all other forms of
communication.
•Language is what makes humans, human.

4. The extended definition
(c) the articulate or inarticulate expression of thought and
feeling by living creatures
is widely regarded as a far stretch of the
concept of language and is a source of
controversy amoung linguists

5. Characteristics of Language
Language is:

6. Language as HUMAN
• The parrot can be taught to reproduce sound
sequences.
• It cannot be taught to formulate sentences on its own.
• Animals use sound and movement to initiate mating but
cannot convey how it feels about the shortage of food
supplies.

7. Language as Systematic
It uses various systems:
◦ Sound
◦ Grammar

8. SOUND
 Sound is a system that each language has patterns for that
are recognizable to its speakers.
 Do you recognize any of these words?
◦ Cinquo
◦ Briskve
◦ Merci
◦ Gracias
◦ Froid
 Soundstake on meaning in a language only when they are
combined in certain ways that are recognizable to the
speakers.

9. GRAMMAR
 This is the set of rules that govern how the words of the
language are put together to make meaning.
“Often to goes he the market”
Would not qualify as an English sentence
However :
“He often goes to the market.”
Would be accepted as it is now placed in the correct order.

10. GRAMMAR
 Word order is critical to meaning.
 Consider the way in which a simple sentence can
acquire different meanings depending on the word
order.
 You are there.
 There you are!
 Are you there?

11. Activity:
Choose the appropriate words to replace the
word ‘goes’ in the sentence
“He often goes to the market.”
car, of, runs, circular, bright, pencils, there, but, rides
You should notice that only a verb would be
suitable in that word position.

12. Apart from having to use a particular type of
word, in this case a verb, grammatical rules
are even more specific and the space cannot
be filled by just any verb.

13. Activity:
Which of the following verbs would fit the
sentence?
“He often ________ to the market.”
shuffles, kisses, jumps, dances, sits, cries, eats,
sings, flies, hears

14. Each language has its own set of rules,
which must be employed for the
effective transfer of meaning.

15. Language as SYMBOLIC
Ituses words as representations or
symbols of ideas.
In order for language to make sense
there must be commonly understood or
accepted meanings attributed to its
symbols.

16. Consider the following words. What do they
symbolize? Do you think all English speakers
mean the same thing when they say those
words?
Sorrow anger disgust strength
pride love embarrassment

17. Dictionariesare records of the symbolic
meaning of words in a language.

18. Language as EVOLUTIONARY
Language changes over time.
The invention of new words takes place
over time.
Can you think of any words that was
recently added to the English dictionary?

19. Activity 3: Home Assignment
Try to find out when the following words
became part of the English language:
◦ Computer
◦ Nuclear
◦ Aeroplane
◦ Television
◦ Atom
◦ genetics

20. Changes in meaning are another way in
which language evolves.
These changes occur when a significant
group of persons persistently use a word
(symbol) to mean something other than
its traditionally accepted definition.

21. Changes in meaning
WORD OLDER MEANING MODERN MEANING
Gay Carefree, happy Homosexual
Nice Stupid, foolish Pleasant, agreeable
Girl Any young person Female young person
Manufacture Make by hand Produce artificially by
hand of machinery
Tell Count Say, inform
Meat Any food Food from animal flesh

22. Discuss with your classmates some words
that you think are in the process of evolution
or which have recently acquired new
meanings. What may account for the changes?

23. SUMMARY
Language is a system of communication
with its own set of conventions or special
words.
Characteristics of language:
◦ Human
◦ Systematic
◦ Symbolic
◦ Evolutionary

24. Recap Quiz
1. Define language.
2. What is unique about language?
3. How is language systematic?
4. Why is word order critical to meaning in language?
5. What type of symbol is used for the English language?
6. Explain why a word of your choice has evolved through time.