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Properties of Language

The document discusses several key differences between human language and animal languages, including that human language allows for displacement of ideas in time and space, uses arbitrary symbols rather than natural connections between sounds and meanings, is productive allowing new combinations, is culturally transmitted rather than genetically, uses discrete sounds that can be combined, and has duality being both spoken and written.

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Nurul Izzati
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256 views2 pages

Properties of Language

The document discusses several key differences between human language and animal languages, including that human language allows for displacement of ideas in time and space, uses arbitrary symbols rather than natural connections between sounds and meanings, is productive allowing new combinations, is culturally transmitted rather than genetically, uses discrete sounds that can be combined, and has duality being both spoken and written.

Uploaded by

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

Define the following features of language:


Vocal-auditory channel: Human language is produced orally and is received through the
ear.
Reciprocity: Human beings communicate by sending and receiving signals.
Specialization: Linguistic signals have only one purpose—of communication.
Non-directionality: Linguistic signals can be picked up by anyone within the range of the
signals.

How does human language differ from animal languages?


Human languages differ from animal languages in many ways. Some of the major
features of human languages are 1) displacement, 2) arbitrariness, 3) productivity, 4)
cultural transmission, 5) discreteness, and 6) duality. Animal languages do not possess
these features.

What is meant by displacement feature of human language?


A major difference between animal language and human language is the displacement
feature of human language. It means that human language can overcome the limitations
of time and space. Animal communication is designed for here and now. But, human
language can relate to events removed in time and space.

What is meant by arbitrariness of human language?


A major difference between animal language and human language is the arbitrariness of
human language. It means that human linguistic signs do not have any natural
connection between its form and meaning. The only exceptions are the onomatopoeic
sounds. In the animal communication, the signs they use are synonymous with meaning.

What is meant by productivity of human language?


A major difference between animal language and human language is the productivity of
human language. This refers to the human ability to combine limited linguistic signs to
produce new sentences and expressions. Animals are incapable of this as animal signals
have fixed reference.

What is meant by cultural transmission of human language?


A major difference between animal language and human language is the cultural
transmission of human language. While animals get their language genetically, human
beings acquire language. Human languages are passed down by the society in which one
lives and grows up.

What is meant by discreteness of human language?


A major difference between animal language and human language is the discreteness of
human language. This refers to the uniqueness of the sounds used in human languages.
Every language use a set of different sounds. Each of these sounds is different from the
rest and are combined to form new meanings. A sound can be repeated, or combined
with another to form a new meaning. But, animal languages do not have this feature of
discreteness.

What is meant by duality of human language?


One major difference between animal language and human language is the duality of
human language. This is not found in animal languages. Human language can be both
spoken and written. Even the languages that do not have alphabet can be written down
using some symbols. Animal languages are only spoken.

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