第1章 语言学导论

1.1 复习笔记

 

本章要点：

1 The definition and the design features of language

语言的定义与特征

2 The origin and the function of language

语言的起源和功能

3 Main branches of linguistics study

语言学研究的范围和内容

4 Important distinctions in Linguistics

语言学的一些重要区分

 

本章考点：

1 有关语言的常考考点

语言的定义；语言的基本特征(任意性、二重性、多产性、移位性、文化传递和互换性)；

语言的功能(提供信息、人际交往、施为、表达情感、寒暄、娱乐、元语言)；

语言的起源(神授说，人造说(“汪汪”，“噗噗”，“哟-嘿-吼”理论)，进化说)等。

2 有关语言学的常考考点

(1) 语言学的定义，现代语言学与传统语法学研究的三个显著区别。

(2) 语言学研究的四个原则及其简要说明。语言学中几组重要区别，每组两个概念的含义、区分及其意义。

(3) 普通语言学的主要分支学科及各自的研究范畴。

(4) 宏观语言学及应用语言学的主要分支及各自的研究范畴。

 

本章内容索引：

Ⅰ. Definition of language

Ⅱ. Design features of language

1 Arbitrariness

2 Duality

3 Creativity

4 Displacement

5 Cultural Transmission

6 Interchangeability

Ⅲ. Origin of language

1 The Biblical account

2 The bow-wow theory

3 The pooh-pooh theory

4 The yo-he-ho theory

5 The evolution theory

Ⅳ. Functions of language

1 Informative function

2 Interpersonal function

3 Performative function

4 Emotive function

5 Phatic function

6 Recreational function

7 Metalingual function

Ⅴ. Definition of linguistics

Ⅵ. Branches of linguistics

1 Microlinguistics

2 Macrolinguistics

Ⅶ. Important concepts and their distinctions

1 Descriptive vs. Prescriptive

2 Synchronic vs. Diachronic

3 Langue vs. Parole

4 Competence vs. Performance

5 Traditional Grammar vs. Modern Grammar

6 Linguistic Potential vs. Actual Linguistic Behavior

Ⅰ. The definition of language (语言的定义)

Language is a system of arbitrary vocal symbols used for human communication. This definition has revealed five essential factors of language: systematic, arbitrary, vocal, symbolic and most importantly human-specific.

语言是用于人类交流的任意的有声符号系统。该定义揭示了语言的五个要素：系统，任意，口头，符号，人类。

Ⅱ. The design features of language (语言的定义特征)

【考点：名词解释&填空】

The features that define our human languages can be called design features which can distinguish human language from any animal system of communication.

语言的定义特征是人类语言区别于其他动物交流系统的特点。

 

1 Arbitrariness (任意性)

It is the core feature of language, which refers to the fact that there is no intrinsic connection between the forms of linguistic signs and their meaning. Arbitrariness exists in the relationship between a particular sound and the meaning it is associated with. But it is not entirely arbitrary at all levels. Some words, such as the ones created in the imitation of sounds by sounds are motivated in a certain degree.

任意性是语言的核心特征，是指语言符号的形式与所表示的意义没有天然的联系。符号的声音与意义之间存在任意性。虽然语言从本质上讲是任意的，但也不是完全任意的。一些词语，例如一些拟声词的发音与其意义还是有一定联系的。