MEG-04 – Block 1: What is Language? (Complete Study Material)
Unit 1: The Nature of Language
1. Meaning of Language
Language is a system of communication used by human beings to express ideas, emotions, and thoughts through spoken or written symbols.
Definition (simple):
Language is a structured system of sounds and symbols used for communication among humans.
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2. Characteristics of Human Language
1. Arbitrariness
No natural connection between a word and its meaning.
Example: The word “tree” could be any sound.
2. Productivity (Creativity)
Humans can create unlimited sentences.
3. Duality of Structure
Language has two levels:
Sounds (phonemes)
Meaningful units (words)
4. Displacement
Humans can talk about past, future, or imaginary things.
5. Cultural Transmission
Language is learned from society, not inherited biologically.
6. Interchangeability
Speakers can both send and receive messages.
7. Reflexiveness
Language can be used to talk about language itself.
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3. Human vs Animal Communication
Feature Human Language Animal Communication
Creativity Unlimited sentences Limited signals
Displacement Yes Mostly absent
Grammar Complex structure No grammar
Learning Cultural learning Mostly instinct
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4. Functions of Language
1. Informative function – giving information
2. Expressive function – expressing feelings
3. Directive function – giving commands
4. Phatic function – social interaction
5. Aesthetic function – literary use
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Unit 2: Looking at Data – I
This unit teaches how linguists analyse language using data.
Steps in Language Analysis
1. Collection of language data
2. Observation of patterns
3. Classification
4. Forming rules
Example: Words like:
cats
dogs
books
Observation: plural form = noun + s
Rule:
Plural in English is generally formed by adding “-s” or “-es.”
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Linguistic Levels
1. Phonology – study of sounds
2. Morphology – study of word formation
3. Syntax – study of sentence structure
4. Semantics – study of meaning
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Unit 3: Looking at Data – II
This unit continues language analysis.
Example of Data Analysis
Sentence patterns:
1. She reads books.
2. They read books.
Observation: Verb changes according to subject number.
Rule:
Singular subject → verb + s
Plural subject → base verb
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Types of Linguistic Patterns
1. Sound patterns
2. Word patterns
3. Sentence patterns
Linguists study these patterns to understand how language works.
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Unit 4: Language and Thought
This unit explains the relationship between language and thinking.
1. Language Influences Thought
Language shapes how people think about the world.
Example: Some languages have many words for snow, affecting perception.
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2. Sapir–Whorf Hypothesis
Proposed by
Edward Sapir
Benjamin Lee Whorf
Theory:
Language influences or determines thought.
Two forms:
1. Strong version
Language determines thinking.
2. Weak version
Language influences thinking.
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3. Language and Reality
Language:
Categorizes experiences
Shapes perception
Helps organize knowledge
Example: Words for colors influence how people identify colors.
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Important Exam Questions (IGNOU)
1. Define language and discuss its characteristics.
2. Explain arbitrariness and productivity of language.
3. Distinguish between human and animal communication.
4. What is the relationship between language and thought?
5. Explain Sapir-Whorf hypothesis.
