Introduction to Linguistics
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The introductory section raises the question ‘what is linguistics?’ and discusses the status of linguistics as a science, and goes on to list the subject matter of linguistics. Attention is paid to the linguistic sign, to language as a sign system, and to the design features of human language. Spoken and written language modes are complemented by a discussion of sign language. The introduction concludes with a brief outline of different
approaches to linguistics from a historical perspective.
Reading Material
Read McGregor, Chapter 1.
Read the chapter quickly to get a rough idea of what it is about. Then go through it again slowly, making sure you understand the key points being made. You may have to read certain sections several times before you clearly understand the meaning. Do not worry too much if there are still things you do not understand properly after several readings; but make a note of these with the page reference.
Study Questions
- What is it that linguists study? Do you think linguistics is a science? Give reasons for your answer.
- What is a sign, and what do signs have to do with language? Make sure you understand the meaning of the terms syntagmatic and paradigmatic. Why are the concepts behind these terms important?
- Describe Hockett’s design features. Are there any other design features common to all human languages?
- Linguists insist that speech is logically prior to writing. Why?
- What is the difference between a ‘formal’ and a ‘functional’ approach to language?
- What have you learnt from this chapter that you did not know before? Write down on a piece of paper or on your computer a list of things you have learnt. Make another list of things you have come across in this chapter which you do not quite understand. Come back to this second list as you proceed through the course.
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