Understanding Language: Form, Meaning, and Use
The Three Dimensions of Language in Communication
Form: Phonology, Graphology, Semiology, Morphology, Syntax – Accuracy – How is the Unit Formed?
The forms of a language consist of the visible or audible units: sounds, written symbols, inflectional morphemes, function words, and syntactic structures.
Meaning: Semantics – What Does It Mean?
Semantics is the study of meaning potential encoded in language. This is what we would learn about a particular form if we were to consult a dictionary. Although
Read MoreUnderstanding the Linguistic Sign: Key Features & Components
The Linguistic Sign: An Inseparable Unit
The linguistic sign is an inseparable unit with two levels:
- Signifier (Expression): Identifiable with the acoustic image.
- Signified (Content): Identified with the concept.
It is further characterized by the following features:
Key Features of the Linguistic Sign
- Arbitrariness: The relationship between signifier and signified is unmotivated, a product of human will.
- Conventionality: Language users accept the signs, whose values have been agreed upon throughout their
Mastering Sentence Structure: Types and Examples
Understanding Sentence Structure
A simple sentence has the most basic elements that make it a sentence: a subject, a verb, and a completed thought.
For example: Joe waited for the train. The train was late.
Compound Sentences
A compound sentence refers to a sentence made up of two independent clauses connected to one another with a coordinating conjunction. Coordinating conjunctions are often remembered by the acronym FANBOYS: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
For example: Joe waited for the train, but
Read MoreUnderstanding Subordinate Clauses: Types and Examples
Subordinate Clauses: A Detailed Explanation
Substantive Subordinate Clauses
Substantive Clause (Subject): (prep) + that + verb + personal way (other accessories)
Conjunction with no syntactic function.
Example: He said [that would] Sub its completive (CD) said something
V CD
Substantive Clause (Object): If total indirect interrogative + verb + personal way (other accessories) sintænbsp Conjunction no function; Internships
Example: Do not know [if it will rain tomorrow] Sub total indirect interrogators
Read MoreLexicography and Linguistic Components: A Concise Analysis
Lexicography and Linguistic Components
Lexicography: The science of linguistics that deals with the preparation of dictionaries. Components include: entrance, pronunciation, etymology, part of speech, definition, meanings, usage examples, idioms, and phrases.
Types of Dictionaries
Regulatory: Words must meet accepted prerequisites for use. The requirement for acceptance of a word is that it is commonly used.
Ideological: Words are ordered by the relation of meaning, although these dictionaries also
Read MoreUnderstanding Statements, Relations, and Syntagmas in Language
Statements in Language
A statement is a chain of sounds, bounded by a pause, pronounced with a melody, and expressing an idea. There are two types of statements:
- Prayer: A statement containing a verb in person, consisting of a subject and predicate. The speaker reflects their attitude in the sentences by:
- Onyx of Procedures: Using declarative intonation to affirm or deny something.
- Grammatical Procedures: Using certain verbal modes.
- Lexico Procedures: Using adverbs of affirmation and negation.
Depending
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