Introduction to Linguistics UDE
Definitions from the Lecture Introduction to Linguistics from WiSe25/26 and SoSe26 UDE
Definitions from the Lecture Introduction to Linguistics from WiSe25/26 and SoSe26 UDE
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Lernkarten
Introspective
Relying on intuition of linguists
Empirical
Using authentic data as the basis of research
Theoretical approch of language
Developing a theoretical part
Applied approach of language
application of knowledge
language specific
only one language in focus
comparative
comparing languages to discover patterns
Descriptive
observing a particular part of language in a neutral way
Prescribtive
formulating rules for the correct use of particular language
Synchronic
Describing language at a specific time
Diachronic
Linguistic change through time
Formalism (Chomsky)
Units of language are combined into larger strings following rules
Meanings and functions are structured by syntax
Competence: mental knowledge
Performance: actual language use
Functionalism (Bühler: Organon Modell, 1934 & Jakobson: Six functions of language, 1960)
Units of language have certain functions; these functions and meanings explain the linguistic system and its structures
Structuralism (Saussure: the lingustic sign, 1916 & Odgen and Richards: Semiotic Triangle, 1923)
Language as an overarching structure; units of language are analysed in terms of their relationship within and to the system
Duality
2 Levels
1. limited set of discrete sounds and rules
2. infinite combinations (words and sentences)
-> human language is economical
Arbitrariness
no natural connection between sound and meaning (exceptions: onomatopoeia)
Reflexivity
language can be used to think/talk about itself -> metalinguistic function
Displacement
Language can be used to refer to context removed from the immediate situation
Recursion/Productivity
the ability to produce a theoretically infinite number of grammatical sentences
cultural + social transmission
language is taught + learned within a cultural context
Homophones (for single sounds)
same sound, different spelling (e.g. /u:/ , , , , , )
Homographs (for singel sounds)
different sound, same spelling (e.g. beat /i:/ , head /e/, great /ei/, heart /a:/)
Silent letters
e.g. knee, honest, psychology, debt
Missing letters
e.g. [j] in use, cute, new
Voicing of consonants
Vibration of the vocal cords
Voiceless consonants
Open vocal cords, airstream can pass through (/p/, /t/, /k/, /f/, /θ/, /s/, /ʃ/, /tʃ/, /h/)
Voiced consonants
closed vocal cords, airstream sets them vibrating (/b/, /d/, /g/, /v/, /ð/, /z/, /ʒ/, /dʒ/, /m/, /n/, /ŋ/, /l/, /r/, /j/, /w/)
Manner of articulation
way in which air stream is affected by the articulators
Obstruent
air stream is impeded or blocked by the articulators
Sonorants
Airstream is continuous, non-turbulent
Phonemes
smallest meaning distinguishing units -> realisation: phones
Minimal pairs
pair of words with different meaning differing in one sound (nap-map; feel-fall)
Morphology
study of "the formation and internal organisation of words"
