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Characteristics of Language

The document discusses the key characteristics of human language: it is arbitrary, systematic, vocalic, social, creative, symbolic, non-instinctive, and productive. Language allows humans to effectively communicate ideas, emotions, feelings, and build relationships. The characteristics of language evolve over time as cultures change and allow for new words and meanings to spread quickly.

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Juliana Ferrer
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1K views25 pages

Characteristics of Language

The document discusses the key characteristics of human language: it is arbitrary, systematic, vocalic, social, creative, symbolic, non-instinctive, and productive. Language allows humans to effectively communicate ideas, emotions, feelings, and build relationships. The characteristics of language evolve over time as cultures change and allow for new words and meanings to spread quickly.

Uploaded by

Juliana Ferrer
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

CHARACTERISTICS

OF LANGUAGE
What is language?
Language
Language is an essential component of
human interaction. Although other
species have ways of communicating,
humans are the only ones who have
mastered cognitive language
communication. Language allows us to
communicate our ideas, emotions, and
feelings to others. It has the ability to
both develop and demolish communities.
Arbitrary
There is no natural
connection between the
symbols of a language
and their meanings.
Systematic
How its elements are
combined to create
meaning. Includes grammar,
syntax, and semantics.
Systematic

Grammar Syntax Semantics


Vocalic
Use of voices to produce
and perceive language.
Social
Use language to communicate
with others, to share our
thoughts and feelings, and to
build relationships.
Creative
Use of language to create new
words, new meanings, and new
ways of communicating, allows
us to express ourselves in
unique and personal ways.
Symbolic
Consisting of sound symbols
and words, used to represent
concepts, ideas, and objects.
Words are not just patterns or
images; their core value often
relies on proper explanation.
Non-Instinctive
Languages evolved through
evolution and convention, passing
on conventions to generations.
They can evolve, spread, and
change like any human
organization, and are spoken in
specific communities worldwide.
Productive
Language evolves over time as
our cultures and communities
change. New words, phrases,
terms, and memes can be
created, and they will generally
be understood, adopted, and
spread quickly.
Why are the
characteristics of
language important?
Characteristics
of Language
The characteristics of language
are important because they allow
us to communicate effectively, to
share our thoughts and ideas, and
to build relationships with others.
QUIZ: FILL IN
THE BLANKS
1. ________is an essential
1.
component of human
interaction.
2. _______ is the use of
voices to produce and
perceive language.
3. ________ consists of sound
symbols and words, used to
represent concepts, ideas,
and objects.
4. __________ is a language
evolves over time as our
cultures and communities
change.
5. ________ is a use of
language to create new
words, new meanings, and
new ways of communicating
6. ______ is a use of language
to communicate with others,
to share our thoughts and
feelings, and to build
relationships.
7. _________ has no natural
connection between the
symbols of a language and
their meanings.
8-10. In your own words,
why are the characteristics
of language important?
(Atleast 3 sentences)
1. Language
2. Vocal
3. Symbolic
Answer Key 4. Productive
5. Creative
6. Social
7. Arbitrary
Thank
You

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