Introduction “When I read great literature, great drama, speeches, or sermons, I feel that the human mind has not achieved anything greater than the ability to share feelings and thoughts through language.” -James Earl Jones. The quote by a renowned American actor known for his versatile roles speaks volume about the significance of language. Language is a unifying force of human minds and it also gives them a sense of identity for existence. It shares a complex relationship with the development of cognitive skills at an early stage, i.e. childhood. Language is intertwined deeply with the culture and is best used for sharing of knowledge too. Lexicon acts as a connecting bridge between language and the knowledge to be expressed. In this …show more content…
Much has been discussed by scholars on origin of language, language development, language acquisition, relationship of language with culture, but what exactly language is however not given enough thought. According to Verghese (1989), “A human language is a signaling system which uses vocal sounds and is based on man’s ability to speak. The written language is derivative and secondary; it is derived from the spoken language” (p.8). However, it lacks a fixed definition in reality as for some scholars, it is a communication tool for exchanging ideas and thoughts, while for some other, it is a kind of behavior that can be learned or a set of symbols. However, it is true that it distinctly distinguishes mankind from animal kingdom and enables us to speak, write songs, stories, etc to express our ideas in a precise manner. Lexicon on the other hand is considered to be a part of human language by linguists, the other part being grammar. A proper definition is given by Panther et al (2009) stating that “the lexicon can be defined as a set of symbolic forms, that is, forms that evoke meanings. These forms are used in speech and are as flexible to meaning associations as colors are changeable” (p.100). Due to our increasing communication needs, lexicon is also gradually expanding on a continual …show more content…
Lexicon being a part of language is also equally important as they evoke meanings and continually changing according to the communication needs. Although, many studies had been done in the past regarding exploring the origin of language, its development, acquisition, effect on culture, etc,there is still a lack of a coherent definition of both language and lexicon. Human language is unique and quite different to that of the communication system used by animals and the key features that make it so distinct are hierarchical structure, arbitrariness, productivity and displacement. Language structure is vital for any kind of effective communication and language processing is itself a particular trait found in the human species. Both of them, i.e. language structure and processing can be best understood by its four levels, i.e. phonemes, words, sentences and texts which have on the other hand have a major role to play in cognitive psychology. Upon analysis of the role of language structure and processing in cognitive psychology, it becomes clear that both cognition and language share an intimate relationship with each other to aid in thinking, creation of memory, its storage and retrieval as well as for a myriad of other
When discussing something like words and ideas it seems much simpler to allow someone who has done both for a living do it for you. This quote, quite succinctly, summarizes language, and ...
The prehistoric times stand evidence to the power of language as a tool for communication and growth. Language has proven to be an effective medium and factor surrounding the evolution of man. Language has played a big role in the development of individuals and societies. What is spoken and/or written, help in the initiation of imagination, expression of feelings, and conveyance of thoughts and ideas. “The pen is mightier than the sword” (Bulwer-Lytton 1839).
Language is more than words and the ability to communicate. It allows the world to express thoughts and ideas, but along with that comes influence and authority—matter that run society. Language impacts society in various ways, both bad and good. Everyday life, even texts and films, portray the effect of language. Whale Rider, “The Myth of the Latin Woman”, and The Crucible demonstrate that language is power.
Language plays a major role in a child’s life, because some children will dialogues with themselves through how they engage with themselves or other children through imaginative play. Vygotsky explains this as how they will make up their own story and give their characters different names, and also changing the voices of each character. This helps children with their vocabulary skills, in which it will help them in the long run to name, and negative the different things that they will start to come into connect with as they get older. Language is also known as a symbolic system of communication and a cultural tool transmit play, and cultural history both play a big part in language development, and understanding the world around them. And also
Toni Morrison makes a good point when, in her acceptance speech upon receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature, she says, “Narrative . . . is . . . one of the principal ways in which we absorb knowledge” (7). The words we use and the way in which we use them is how we, as humans, communicate to each other our thoughts, feelings, and actions and therefore our knowledge of the world and its peoples. Knowledge is power. In this way, our language, too, is powerful.
Language is defined as a "system of words formed from such combinations and patterns, used by the people of a particular country or by a group of people with a shared history or set of traditions (Microsoft Bookshelf. 1996-1997 edition)." Ebonics is a form of communication of feelings, thoughts, opinions and ideas at is being used by ou...
The power of words is immeasurable. Words help people to voice their opinions and express their thoughts and feelings. Our everyday lives are shaped by communication and in general language. A persons language can often influence success and happiness. America is viewed as a melting pot for numerous different people and their respective languages. Language is so vital in our society that a person of diverse ethnic background can face many tribulations throughout their everyday life.
Language refers to the method that humans use to communicate, either through speech or written. It consists of the use of the word in a structured and conventional way. Language has been referred to as ‘our means of classifying and ordering the world; our means of manipulating reality’. In structure and in its use, we bring the world into realisation and if it is inherently inaccurate, then we are misled. Dale Spender, 1980.Language has power that allows us to make sense out of the reality we live in.
Language is a part of our everyday lives, and we can describe the meaning of language in many ways. As suggested in Gee and Hayes (2011, p.6 ) people can view language as something in our minds or something existing in our world in the form of speech, audio recordings, and writings or we can view language as a way of communicating with a group of people. Language can be used to express our emotions, make sense of our mental and abstract thoughts and assists us in communicating with others around us. Language is of vital importance for children to enable them to succeed in school and everyday life. Everyone uses both oral and written language. Language developed as a common ability amongst human beings with the change
In this paper the writer is going to present an overview of the field of neurolinguistics which is the study of the mental faculties involved in the perception, production, and acquisition of language. In other words, the neurobiological factors that enable humans to acquire, use, comprehend and produce language.
Language is a means of human communication whether verbally or nonverbally. In everyday life we use language to express our thoughts, feelings ,attitudes,etc.A great amount of social interactions takes place every day over the telephone ,by online chats, face –to face interaction or at workplaces .We use language of different forms for different functions as in to inform, question , and sometimes to strengthen social relationships or just to keep the social wheels turning smoothly. Moreover, understanding one's own language and even other cultures’ language is important to arrive at a successful and effective communication with others . The study of language can be undertaken in various ways .Semantics and pragmatics are two branches of linguistics which are concerned with the study of meaning.
“Language is a system of communication using vocal sounds, gestures, or written symbols; the basis of symbolic culture and the primary means through which we communicate with one another and perpetuate our culture” (Pg 78) Language is the most significant element of culture. It has allowed us to develop and separate ourselves from all other species on the planet. Language is what connects us from the past, present and future. It allows us the grasp concepts complicated concepts to pass along to future generations. “Language is so important that many have argued that it shapes not only our communication but our perception” (Pg 78 Para 5 Line 1) The Sapir and Whorf Hypothesis broke from the traditional idea of language and made it concrete that language actually structures a thought, “That perception not only suggests the need for words with which to express what is perceived but also that the words themselves help create those perceptions” (Pg 78 Para 5 Line
As we find ourselves surrounded by many diverse people we come to the realization that we need words to communicate. Language helps us express how we feel, explaining
The settlement of the British Isles by north Europeans followed by Norman French paints the backdrop to this essay which will focus on the period between the early 15th and 17th centuries, when a 'standard' English evolved. It will show that modern-day English is very different to that first introduced to the British Isles, but by identifying changes through time, its continuity can be demonstrated. Finally, it will suggest that present day English is in a position analogous to that which existed before the Norman invasion, when there were many varieties and dialects, and that this may lead to its decline as a global language, due to decreasing intelligibility.
To start with, I do not want to narrowly define language as merely verbal communication. Language is far broader than that. In a few seconds a person walking past you on the street could tell you more about themselves with a sincere smile than they could with a few rushed words. Language encompasses all aspects of communication that enhance the level of our interaction. The tone in our voice demonstrating our feelings on a topic or our body language indicating our level of interest are just as important in interaction as verbally communicating content. There for I define language as any act that is involved in the interaction between two or more people.