What is language.ppt

1、,Language,Definition of Language,The method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way.(uncountable) to study language is to take up linguistics. The system of communication used by a particular community or country.(countabl

2、e) to study a language means to study Chinese, English or any other language.,What we study in linguistics is not a particular language but an abstract set of characteristics that are common to all human languages. Therefore, when we say that linguistics is a scientific study of language, the word l

3、anguage is used in Sense 1,Language is a system. Human language has several levels of organization, such as phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics. Within these levels, sounds are put together and patterned into larger units that carry meaning.,Language is human-specific. It is said to be uniqu

4、e to human beings. Only human beings are biologically prepared for language ability. No other creatures on the earth possess this ability.,Language is a means of social communication. language is not merely a tool for transmitting information. It is a social phenomenon and social behavior. The conventional English greetings Good morning and How do you do? give little information other than the fact that the speakers have recognized th